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Mousai #2
Dance of a Burning Sea
From award-winning author E. J. Mellow comes the thrilling second installment in the Mousai series, featuring a powerful sorceress who finds her loyalties tested by a ruthless pirate lord.
Within the world of Aadilor, there is a hidden place called the Thief Kingdom, where both magic and pleasure abound. There, the Mousai, a trio of deadly sorceresses bound by oath and blood, use their powers to protect the kingdom’s treasures.
Niya Bassette brings the potent gift of dance to the Mousai, but behind her tempting twirls, she carries a heavy secret—that the infamous pirate lord, Alōs Ezra, has been threatening to exploit for years. Now banished from the Thief Kingdom for smuggling, Alōs resurfaces in Niya’s life with a plot to hold her hostage, leveraging what he knows to extort a pardon from the Thief King.
But Niya makes her own deal with Alōs to guard her secret and guarantee her freedom—yet in doing so binds herself aboard his pirate ship, where she must navigate deadly waters, a bloodthirsty crew, and her own traitorous heart. Soon, a simmering attraction between her and Alōs threatens their delicate truce and makes for a tumultuous ride on the open seas. Far from her kingdom, Niya is entangled in a dangerous dance indeed.
Welcome to the world of Aadilor, where dark deeds can mask noble hearts and the most alluring of sways often ends with a burn. Care for a spin?
Within the world of Aadilor, there is a hidden place called the Thief Kingdom, where both magic and pleasure abound. There, the Mousai, a trio of deadly sorceresses bound by oath and blood, use their powers to protect the kingdom’s treasures.
Niya Bassette brings the potent gift of dance to the Mousai, but behind her tempting twirls, she carries a heavy secret—that the infamous pirate lord, Alōs Ezra, has been threatening to exploit for years. Now banished from the Thief Kingdom for smuggling, Alōs resurfaces in Niya’s life with a plot to hold her hostage, leveraging what he knows to extort a pardon from the Thief King.
But Niya makes her own deal with Alōs to guard her secret and guarantee her freedom—yet in doing so binds herself aboard his pirate ship, where she must navigate deadly waters, a bloodthirsty crew, and her own traitorous heart. Soon, a simmering attraction between her and Alōs threatens their delicate truce and makes for a tumultuous ride on the open seas. Far from her kingdom, Niya is entangled in a dangerous dance indeed.
Welcome to the world of Aadilor, where dark deeds can mask noble hearts and the most alluring of sways often ends with a burn. Care for a spin?
511 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2021
965 people are currently reading
15187 people want to read
About the author
E.J. Mellow
18 books1,154 followersE.J. Mellow is an award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of magical mayhem. Her work has been translated into multiple languages, appeared on Best Of lists such as Buzzfeed and Gizmodo and has reached #1 in multiple Amazon categories, as well as received medals from eLit Book Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Readers have said her "lyrical, vibrant, and imaginative" writing sweeps them into "stunning worlds". E.J. is also the co-founder of She Is Booked, a literary themed fundraising organization that supports women’s charities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 933 reviews
October 7, 2021
i compared the first book in this series to a leisurely sunday stroll, as it was a very slow and relaxed fantasy. well, this sequel steps it up a notch. its a daring adventure on rough seas. and as journeys tend to be laborious, so too is this book.
similar to ‘song of the forever rains,’ the pacing in this is also very drawn out, which leads me to believe thats just EJMs writing style. fortunately, the stakes in this particular installment are higher and the characters go on more escapades. i am personally drawn to pirate stories, so this definitely suited my preferences. i think the mission, the travelling to various lands, and the sly characters all work well together to create a fun plot.
so while i enjoyed the first book, i found this sequel to be much more interesting overall. so if you dont mind a long journey and like roguish pirates and magical kingdoms, then i would highly recommend this book.
thank you, montlake, for the ARC!
↠ 4 stars
similar to ‘song of the forever rains,’ the pacing in this is also very drawn out, which leads me to believe thats just EJMs writing style. fortunately, the stakes in this particular installment are higher and the characters go on more escapades. i am personally drawn to pirate stories, so this definitely suited my preferences. i think the mission, the travelling to various lands, and the sly characters all work well together to create a fun plot.
so while i enjoyed the first book, i found this sequel to be much more interesting overall. so if you dont mind a long journey and like roguish pirates and magical kingdoms, then i would highly recommend this book.
thank you, montlake, for the ARC!
↠ 4 stars
October 19, 2021
SHE’S HERE!! Two and a half years in the making. I wrote DANCE OF A BURNING SEA before the pandemic, during and while VERY pregnant. This story has gone on an incredible journey, keeping me comfort through many hard nights and morning sickness days. She was the truest labor of love and one of the hardest writing challenges of my life. But she’s here and I couldn’t have made it to this day without a lot of humans. Mainly my loving husband, Chris, my middle sister, Phoenix, who was my muse for Niya, my unstoppable agent, Aimee Ashcraft, my amazing editor, Lauren Plude, the creative force who designed this gorgeous cover, Micaela Alcaino and the entire team at Montlake Romance. Thank you for continuing to believe in me and thank you readers for continuing to share your love for these sisters! Happy Alōs + Niya day 🔥❤️.
•
Important things to know about DOABS:
• It's a standalone
• It's an enemies to lovers
• It has pirates
• It an odyssey heist adventure
• It's a thick with tension, slow burn romance
• It has magic, lots of magic!
•
Important things to know about DOABS:
• It's a standalone
• It's an enemies to lovers
• It has pirates
• It an odyssey heist adventure
• It's a thick with tension, slow burn romance
• It has magic, lots of magic!
June 17, 2023
“𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒖𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒎𝒐𝒐𝒏 𝒔𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒌𝒚.”
𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆:
➤ Enemies-to-Lovers, Slow-Burn Romance
➤ Strong FMC, Magical Powers
➤ Action Packed Moments
➤ Found Family
➤ Intense Spicy Smut
➤ Exciting Adventures
𝑴𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔
Okay, to start with, I have said this before but I’ll say it again - I had high hopes for this one but it didn’t deliver to my expectations😣
As we move through the plot, the one thing that I felt missing in the first book satisfied me in this one. And that is 👀…. 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀. Oh, man! how I enjoyyed it when Niya’s powers were used continuously and ferociously throughout the plot🔥
A 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁-𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 book, this was a complete package. From the get-go this book was 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻-𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 and the energy was super great between the characters.. & everybody got a unique flair!
BUT, 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳. I couldn’t feel the excitement in the first half of the book despite there being so many adrenaline-inducing action scenes. I was very bored😕 and 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘁 with the hope of things changing.
I mean I was ready for the slow-burn enemies-to-lover sizzling chemistry these two had in the first book.. 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱😫 I feel the chemistry between them and the second-chance romance was not clearly explored in the plot, that made it lose its charm..
BUT, the second half was 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹🤩 I looved the Valley of the Giants adventure, it was awesome and excitingg.. and there were some cute moments and that ending satisfied me, a HEA sweet ending!!
And the 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 of Niya was impressive. She was so entitled at the start and to see her change, and care for others was incredible. Whereas Alōs was a 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲, his actions were questionable and the sudden acceptance of his feelings didn’t help either..
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏
Overall, it was an okay-ish fantasy fiction - soo much better in terms of adventures🔥 than the first but lost the charm in terms of the romance. With an action-packed plot, this would’ve been better if the chemistry between the MCs was explored differently.
P.S. That nickname — “𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿” is just🤌🏼
Follow For More: Blog • Bookstagram • Goodreads
𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆:
➤ Enemies-to-Lovers, Slow-Burn Romance
➤ Strong FMC, Magical Powers
➤ Action Packed Moments
➤ Found Family
➤ Intense Spicy Smut
➤ Exciting Adventures
𝑴𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔
Okay, to start with, I have said this before but I’ll say it again - I had high hopes for this one but it didn’t deliver to my expectations😣
As we move through the plot, the one thing that I felt missing in the first book satisfied me in this one. And that is 👀…. 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀. Oh, man! how I enjoyyed it when Niya’s powers were used continuously and ferociously throughout the plot🔥
A 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁-𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 book, this was a complete package. From the get-go this book was 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻-𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 and the energy was super great between the characters.. & everybody got a unique flair!
BUT, 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳. I couldn’t feel the excitement in the first half of the book despite there being so many adrenaline-inducing action scenes. I was very bored😕 and 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘁 with the hope of things changing.
I mean I was ready for the slow-burn enemies-to-lover sizzling chemistry these two had in the first book.. 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱😫 I feel the chemistry between them and the second-chance romance was not clearly explored in the plot, that made it lose its charm..
BUT, the second half was 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹🤩 I looved the Valley of the Giants adventure, it was awesome and excitingg.. and there were some cute moments and that ending satisfied me, a HEA sweet ending!!
And the 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 of Niya was impressive. She was so entitled at the start and to see her change, and care for others was incredible. Whereas Alōs was a 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲, his actions were questionable and the sudden acceptance of his feelings didn’t help either..
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏
Overall, it was an okay-ish fantasy fiction - soo much better in terms of adventures🔥 than the first but lost the charm in terms of the romance. With an action-packed plot, this would’ve been better if the chemistry between the MCs was explored differently.
P.S. That nickname — “𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿” is just🤌🏼
Follow For More: Blog • Bookstagram • Goodreads
March 20, 2024
Fire and ice
A great book. I enjoyed this even more than the first book. A lot of questions, including the birth of the Mousai, are shown and answered here.
Niya has always been the hot head of her sister, like her flames she burns hot, bright, and impulse but compassionate. These traits tend to get her into trouble. Luckily, her skills, powers, and sisters were there to get her out, but 4 years ago, they were not enough.
Alos is known as the pirate lord. He embraces the role of the villain. So much so that he does not even hide his face in the Thief Kingdom or anywhere else. Was he born bad or what made him the ruthless man he is now. 4 years ago, he discovered a secret that he now intends to capitalise on to further his own goals.
It is a great story of going beyond the surface, sins, and redemption. It is said the road to hell is paved with good intentions. What are people willing to sacrifice for what is really important to them. Great characters and character development. I can see where the next story is going, but this one is going to be hard to follow, and I do hope it contains more of Niya's adventures I don't think one book is enough gor her.
A great book. I enjoyed this even more than the first book. A lot of questions, including the birth of the Mousai, are shown and answered here.
Niya has always been the hot head of her sister, like her flames she burns hot, bright, and impulse but compassionate. These traits tend to get her into trouble. Luckily, her skills, powers, and sisters were there to get her out, but 4 years ago, they were not enough.
Alos is known as the pirate lord. He embraces the role of the villain. So much so that he does not even hide his face in the Thief Kingdom or anywhere else. Was he born bad or what made him the ruthless man he is now. 4 years ago, he discovered a secret that he now intends to capitalise on to further his own goals.
It is a great story of going beyond the surface, sins, and redemption. It is said the road to hell is paved with good intentions. What are people willing to sacrifice for what is really important to them. Great characters and character development. I can see where the next story is going, but this one is going to be hard to follow, and I do hope it contains more of Niya's adventures I don't think one book is enough gor her.
October 31, 2021
5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“A moment of ecstasy for a lifetime of regret. A young girl's fantasy: that she was the one exception to a monster's loveless heart.”
Dance of a Burning Sea was an utterly delightful read that takes us on a thrilling voyage aboard the crying queen with its cold ruthless pirate lord and his colorful crew consisting of thieves and scoundrels.
This book serves enemies-to-lovers excellence of actual enemies fighting with tooth and nail and then engulfed by an all-consuming wicked desire for each other and in the long road, surrender to those stubborn feelings they have tried to bury long ago.
The slow-burn is so deliciously good like *chef's kiss* it makes the spice so much rewarding.
Disclaimer: this book is New Adult (NA), it's not YA.
Now, you may ask how did we go from dwelling in the Thief Kingdom and it's bordering towns to a ship voyaging different kingdoms and islands.
Well... ask Niya Bassette
The Mousai's fiery dancer is a fearsome creature to behold but has a weak spot for pies and sugar buns.
The Mousai are a trio of deadly sorcresses whom are also the protectors of the Thief Kingdom's treasures and loyal subjects of its King. The Thief Kingdom is a hidden sanctuary in Aadilor—a sanctuary for pleasure, folly, and sin.
We met the singer—Larkrya—in Song of the Forever Rains along with her two older sisters: Arabessa the violinist and Niya the dancer.
This story follows Niya, the middle child, and the most chaotic for wherever she goes, chaos ensues. But no one loves her family as fiercely as her. I will say she is one of the most relatable characters.
Niya carries a heavy secret which reappears to haunt her four years later in the form of the infamous pirate lord Alos Ezra.
Niya is taken hostage aboard Alos's beloved ship—the crying queen—where she meets his crew made up of delightful outlaws with very loose morals.
On her time aboard the ship, Niya discovers that Alos has another secret that shaped him to be a man with a such ruthless reputation and an insatiable hunger for power.
Not only Niya will have to clash with the maddening pirate lord and be forced to do his bidding but also fight the feelings she had buried long ago and the undeniable spark between her and Alos.
For how can she trust a heartless man with her own heart?
But like Niya, we can't resist Alos's dark allure.
I loved how the author kept drawing out the tension between them and it made me truly believe that they loathed each other, they thrived on the desire to see eqch other fall, it was like seeing two vicious hungry tigers circling each other in a very small cage.
Which made the tender and vulnerable moments between them even sweeter.
Niya and Alos are what their magic represents: Fire and ice. They are polar opposites but oh what a pair they are. One would say they are a match made in hell.
Their chemistry was mad. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to jump in the book and throttle both of them and smash that stubborn head of theirs. It was so good.
They are so perfect together.
I was so thoroughly entertained while reading this book because we got: a fun adventure, a cast of vibrant characters, lush and atmospheric world-building, and unique sentient magic.
I'm so excited for Arabessa to steal the spotlight in her book! I wonder which road will the eldest and wisest of the Mousai take.
“A moment of ecstasy for a lifetime of regret. A young girl's fantasy: that she was the one exception to a monster's loveless heart.”
Dance of a Burning Sea was an utterly delightful read that takes us on a thrilling voyage aboard the crying queen with its cold ruthless pirate lord and his colorful crew consisting of thieves and scoundrels.
This book serves enemies-to-lovers excellence of actual enemies fighting with tooth and nail and then engulfed by an all-consuming wicked desire for each other and in the long road, surrender to those stubborn feelings they have tried to bury long ago.
The slow-burn is so deliciously good like *chef's kiss* it makes the spice so much rewarding.
Disclaimer: this book is New Adult (NA), it's not YA.
Now, you may ask how did we go from dwelling in the Thief Kingdom and it's bordering towns to a ship voyaging different kingdoms and islands.
Well... ask Niya Bassette
The Mousai's fiery dancer is a fearsome creature to behold but has a weak spot for pies and sugar buns.
The Mousai are a trio of deadly sorcresses whom are also the protectors of the Thief Kingdom's treasures and loyal subjects of its King. The Thief Kingdom is a hidden sanctuary in Aadilor—a sanctuary for pleasure, folly, and sin.
We met the singer—Larkrya—in Song of the Forever Rains along with her two older sisters: Arabessa the violinist and Niya the dancer.
This story follows Niya, the middle child, and the most chaotic for wherever she goes, chaos ensues. But no one loves her family as fiercely as her. I will say she is one of the most relatable characters.
Niya carries a heavy secret which reappears to haunt her four years later in the form of the infamous pirate lord Alos Ezra.
Niya is taken hostage aboard Alos's beloved ship—the crying queen—where she meets his crew made up of delightful outlaws with very loose morals.
On her time aboard the ship, Niya discovers that Alos has another secret that shaped him to be a man with a such ruthless reputation and an insatiable hunger for power.
Not only Niya will have to clash with the maddening pirate lord and be forced to do his bidding but also fight the feelings she had buried long ago and the undeniable spark between her and Alos.
For how can she trust a heartless man with her own heart?
But like Niya, we can't resist Alos's dark allure.
I loved how the author kept drawing out the tension between them and it made me truly believe that they loathed each other, they thrived on the desire to see eqch other fall, it was like seeing two vicious hungry tigers circling each other in a very small cage.
Which made the tender and vulnerable moments between them even sweeter.
Niya and Alos are what their magic represents: Fire and ice. They are polar opposites but oh what a pair they are. One would say they are a match made in hell.
Their chemistry was mad. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to jump in the book and throttle both of them and smash that stubborn head of theirs. It was so good.
They are so perfect together.
I was so thoroughly entertained while reading this book because we got: a fun adventure, a cast of vibrant characters, lush and atmospheric world-building, and unique sentient magic.
I'm so excited for Arabessa to steal the spotlight in her book! I wonder which road will the eldest and wisest of the Mousai take.
May 11, 2022
(2,5 stars)
"Alos had always found pleasure in watching a fearsome creature become cornered, especially if he was the one forcing them back."
Now this really was a wild ride....half of the time I didn´t really understand what was going on, but I have to be honest and say I skimmed a few parts of the book, so bare with me on that one.
We have a two POV with the POV´s of Alos and Niya.
I really disliked Alos from the start. With this quote and him calling her pet, I really disliked his sadistic tendencies. Also he is lashing her without remorse and watching her seductivly dance with others without any jealousy. If I wanted to hear about a man who doesn´t care I would ask a real one about his dating life.
Niya´s character was okay I guess. Since she is a fire dancer her character literally constists of the one of (you guessed it) fire. That´s literally it. Also what kind of curse is "sticks"?
There relationship was a bit weird to be honest and I couldn´t really get into it.
The plotline is okay although the pacing often felt a bit off for me. Some parts were really slow while others really rushed the story. Also some things were said and just never talked about again. Okay, are we just skipping past what was just said!?
Overall I didn´t really enjoy this book. Do you know that feeling when you put a book down to have a quick break and feel absolutely no desire to pick it back up again? That´s how this book felt like to me.
trigger warnings: kidnapping, cannibalism and a really annoying love interest
"Alos had always found pleasure in watching a fearsome creature become cornered, especially if he was the one forcing them back."
Now this really was a wild ride....half of the time I didn´t really understand what was going on, but I have to be honest and say I skimmed a few parts of the book, so bare with me on that one.
We have a two POV with the POV´s of Alos and Niya.
I really disliked Alos from the start. With this quote and him calling her pet, I really disliked his sadistic tendencies. Also he is lashing her without remorse and watching her seductivly dance with others without any jealousy. If I wanted to hear about a man who doesn´t care I would ask a real one about his dating life.
Niya´s character was okay I guess. Since she is a fire dancer her character literally constists of the one of (you guessed it) fire. That´s literally it. Also what kind of curse is "sticks"?
There relationship was a bit weird to be honest and I couldn´t really get into it.
The plotline is okay although the pacing often felt a bit off for me. Some parts were really slow while others really rushed the story. Also some things were said and just never talked about again. Okay, are we just skipping past what was just said!?
Overall I didn´t really enjoy this book. Do you know that feeling when you put a book down to have a quick break and feel absolutely no desire to pick it back up again? That´s how this book felt like to me.
trigger warnings: kidnapping, cannibalism and a really annoying love interest
August 19, 2022
Captain Hook from Once Upon A Time is the main love interest.
That’s my review, go forth and fall in love like I did!
That’s my review, go forth and fall in love like I did!
January 17, 2022
I AM UTTERLY IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK AND ITS CHARACTERS. THAT'S IT. THAT'S THE REVIEW.
June 22, 2023
+4
“Then I name you the Mousai, members of the Thief Kingdom’s guardians.
Si no conocían esta trilogía ya la están apuntado y crucen los dedos para la traduzcan porque siento que merece mucho la pena y es una maravilla. Al menos para mí.
“She was second born out of fire and rose,
Gifted with beautiful twisting and twirling,
But careful, my darlings, when reaching too closely,
For you’ll be cursed with more tan a yearning”
¿Qué nos encontramos en esta trilogía? Además de unas portadas bellísimas una historia de tres hermanas y cada una con un poder letal relacionado con las artes: canto, danza y música y un reino escondido donde nada es lo que parece.
“ Welcome to your final summonss,
The will of our righteous king ;
No one slips here univinted,
For only terror and agony web ring
Bend forward and break the traitors,
A promise to darken all dreams;
Here is your final undoing,
Our pleasure to le tour your screams. ”
He de admitir que esta novela no reluce por su argumento, sino por el trasfondo que la autora le ha puesto a la historia. Se nota que le puso empeño y que le entusiasmaba la idea. Esto lo vemos a través de sus personajes y el escenario que nos presenta y hace que cada pagina reluzca de color y vida.
“ Because we are all a complicated tapestry, a tangle of decisions and actions”.
No quiero ponerle las cinco estrellas porque siento que aun me falta algo, pero si he hay que señalar que en este segundo libro está mucho mejor escrito que el anterior y mejor planteado.
“You may never forget our past, but lt us move beyond it. We will alway find reason to fight, you and I, but let it not be as enemies. ”.
En conclusión, una autora que voy a recomendar y ha sido uno de los mejores descubrimientos del año.
“ You are..all…monsters”
“Then I name you the Mousai, members of the Thief Kingdom’s guardians.
Si no conocían esta trilogía ya la están apuntado y crucen los dedos para la traduzcan porque siento que merece mucho la pena y es una maravilla. Al menos para mí.
“She was second born out of fire and rose,
Gifted with beautiful twisting and twirling,
But careful, my darlings, when reaching too closely,
For you’ll be cursed with more tan a yearning”
¿Qué nos encontramos en esta trilogía? Además de unas portadas bellísimas una historia de tres hermanas y cada una con un poder letal relacionado con las artes: canto, danza y música y un reino escondido donde nada es lo que parece.
“ Welcome to your final summonss,
The will of our righteous king ;
No one slips here univinted,
For only terror and agony web ring
Bend forward and break the traitors,
A promise to darken all dreams;
Here is your final undoing,
Our pleasure to le tour your screams. ”
He de admitir que esta novela no reluce por su argumento, sino por el trasfondo que la autora le ha puesto a la historia. Se nota que le puso empeño y que le entusiasmaba la idea. Esto lo vemos a través de sus personajes y el escenario que nos presenta y hace que cada pagina reluzca de color y vida.
“ Because we are all a complicated tapestry, a tangle of decisions and actions”.
No quiero ponerle las cinco estrellas porque siento que aun me falta algo, pero si he hay que señalar que en este segundo libro está mucho mejor escrito que el anterior y mejor planteado.
“You may never forget our past, but lt us move beyond it. We will alway find reason to fight, you and I, but let it not be as enemies. ”.
En conclusión, una autora que voy a recomendar y ha sido uno de los mejores descubrimientos del año.
“ You are..all…monsters”
October 28, 2021
I knew it was iffy to pick this one up since the first in the series so vexed me. However, my issues might have been limited to that specific plot, so I gave the sequel a shot.
Unfortunately, issues from the previous book did carry over for me-- namely, the focus on morality and torture, which both came up within the first couple chapters as non-mutually exclusive arenas. Dark fantasy/romance perplexes me sometimes when there doesn't seem to be any concern for real-world analogs. Suggesting that ruling with violence is justified on behalf of law and order and respecting authority have appalling consequences when acted on in real life. There is some light questioning of the tyrannical monarchy in the book, but the use of violence to impose control continues even on the supposedly democratic, familial pirate ship where much of the story takes place.
The specifics of this romance also perturbed me. We have the impulsive, gambling Niya on one hand-- traits I admit to finding personally stressful. Then there's the manipulative, controlling, ambitious at all costs Alōs on the other. His personality moves beyond the personally concerning to the generally problematic. In their shared past you can find humiliation, stealing of secrets, and blackmail that could ruin Niya's family. I think consent is iffy at best here because while Niya agreed to have sex with him, she didn't know his ulterior motives to gain leverage over her. In the present, Alōs uses this leverage to force a bargain whereby he has authority over her as a captain for a year. During that time, he has her whipped for disobeying orders because he needs to set an example for the crew... but it's ok because he feels bad? The whole thing was extremely toxic, and a tragic backstory here, an honorable intention there are meant to smooth away the violent, jagged edges of both characters, especially Alōs. And I just wasn't buying it. A fantasy world shouldn't erase a need for respectful, consenting relationships with fair power dynamics and a romance free of glaring red flags.
Unfortunately, issues from the previous book did carry over for me-- namely, the focus on morality and torture, which both came up within the first couple chapters as non-mutually exclusive arenas. Dark fantasy/romance perplexes me sometimes when there doesn't seem to be any concern for real-world analogs. Suggesting that ruling with violence is justified on behalf of law and order and respecting authority have appalling consequences when acted on in real life. There is some light questioning of the tyrannical monarchy in the book, but the use of violence to impose control continues even on the supposedly democratic, familial pirate ship where much of the story takes place.
The specifics of this romance also perturbed me. We have the impulsive, gambling Niya on one hand-- traits I admit to finding personally stressful. Then there's the manipulative, controlling, ambitious at all costs Alōs on the other. His personality moves beyond the personally concerning to the generally problematic. In their shared past you can find humiliation, stealing of secrets, and blackmail that could ruin Niya's family. I think consent is iffy at best here because while Niya agreed to have sex with him, she didn't know his ulterior motives to gain leverage over her. In the present, Alōs uses this leverage to force a bargain whereby he has authority over her as a captain for a year. During that time, he has her whipped for disobeying orders because he needs to set an example for the crew... but it's ok because he feels bad? The whole thing was extremely toxic, and a tragic backstory here, an honorable intention there are meant to smooth away the violent, jagged edges of both characters, especially Alōs. And I just wasn't buying it. A fantasy world shouldn't erase a need for respectful, consenting relationships with fair power dynamics and a romance free of glaring red flags.
February 6, 2023
3.5 stars
This could have been THEE perfect fantasy romance, better than the first, and anything else I've read in a while. It was so close to greatness, so incredibly written in so many ways, however the romance just didn't hold up to the quality of the rest of the novel. The two main characters embark on an enemies to lover romance, however, despite each being morally-grey characters, Alos's character never held up to the calibre of Niya. I spent so much time waiting for him to stop treating her like an enemy and grovel, or at least show a little emotional growth, but he never really did. There was so much about this book that I loved and could talk about for ages, but I simply can't get past the way that Alos's character was written, and how it affected the romance, in this otherwise masterful story.
This could have been THEE perfect fantasy romance, better than the first, and anything else I've read in a while. It was so close to greatness, so incredibly written in so many ways, however the romance just didn't hold up to the quality of the rest of the novel. The two main characters embark on an enemies to lover romance, however, despite each being morally-grey characters, Alos's character never held up to the calibre of Niya. I spent so much time waiting for him to stop treating her like an enemy and grovel, or at least show a little emotional growth, but he never really did. There was so much about this book that I loved and could talk about for ages, but I simply can't get past the way that Alos's character was written, and how it affected the romance, in this otherwise masterful story.
May 26, 2022
I liked the first book, but I LOVED this 2nd installment that follows the Mousai. The banter and love between the sisters is my favorite. I love whenever they are together, it’s always a good time and laughs. This story follows Niya, the middle sister. She has been kidnapped by the ruthless pirate lord, Alōs. This is enemies to lovers perfection. So much angst and chemistry. The steam!!! So well done. Had a touch more than the 1st book. When i read these books, I am sucked in and feel like I am experiencing what the characters are too. I cannot wait to read about the 3rd sister Arabessa. This is definitely one of my top NA fantasy reads of the year.
November 2, 2022
I enjoyed Niya’s book, but not nearly as much as Larkyra’s…both are very well written, but I think it’s just a matter of personal preference.
Alōs was an annoying love interest for most of the book, and I didn’t identify with Niya’s personality as much as I did with Larkyra. And to top it off, pirate books just aren’t usually my thing 😂
If you’re looking for feisty enemies-to-lovers at sea, this will probably be right up your alley. It did set up the romance for book 3 (friends-to-lovers which is my jam 🥰), so I’m excited to start my ARC copy soon 😌
Alōs was an annoying love interest for most of the book, and I didn’t identify with Niya’s personality as much as I did with Larkyra. And to top it off, pirate books just aren’t usually my thing 😂
If you’re looking for feisty enemies-to-lovers at sea, this will probably be right up your alley. It did set up the romance for book 3 (friends-to-lovers which is my jam 🥰), so I’m excited to start my ARC copy soon 😌
May 18, 2023
4.5 starts
I have to say, this trilogy has been a pleasant surprise for me, I loved the first book a lot and this one –the second- didn’t disappoint, I still think the first one is better but that is just my personal opinion.
One of constants of the book is the world, I love how this world works, how magic plays its part, the fact that magic is around people but in a very controlled way because the Thief Kingdom –even though is evil or said to be evil- regulates and controls how magic works. I loved that concept when it was presented in Song of the Forever Rains, the place is evil BUT it keeps evil in check in a very clever way. Also, loved the new places this book gives us, those places expanded Aadilor, I mean, we can see them in the map but here I was there with the characters and let me tell you I loved every single place, they work differently and even though some aspects of this place are known in other books it still feels fresh. Loved the kingdom under the water –Esrom-, I liked a lot the Valley of the giants and the clever ways it is introduced to us, liked a lot how the sea has places to hide that are magical, that was new and creative and I liked the kingdom that was presented, the pace where Achak and Niya met. In short, this world is amazing and it does not bore you one bit.
But Niya understood that the Thief Kingdom existed to contain what would otherwise live chaotically throughout Aadilor.
Another thing that was consistent was the family banter. This, in my opinion, is one of the pillars of these books. The family is one of the most important things there is and they aren’t there just to say jokes or bother each other, they are the rocks in which their strength is built. Niya was reckless, beyond reckless and her family was there to help her see the things she was doing wrong, I mean Arabessa did it in the wrong ways but she was still there, even the twins –Achak- helped her a lot at some point. Again, we don’t get a lot of Dolion but every time he was on page it was amazing I really hope the writer doesn’t kill him I love to read the love he has for his daughters and I LOVED their family time.
“Oh! And the next time we are together,” Larkyra added, “remind me to tell you about Arabessa walking in on Zimri—ow! Father, did you see Ara just hit me?”
“You had a spider on you,” Arabessa said coolly.
“I like spiders,” said Larkyra, trying to slap Arabessa back.
“You’ve seen much in these few months.”
Niya waved away the seriousness in her sister’s voice. She did not want to go there. Not yet. “Few months? It has been at least three hundred years since I’ve last seen you,” she corrected. “I mean, look”—Niya pointed toward Arabessa’s coiled black locks—“is that gray starting to sprout at your temples?”
As I think I said in my updates, I didn’t like Alos one bit, the dude was a bastard with capital letters. It was an intelligent move to start the book with his POV because as readers we didn’t really know anything about him so to get to know him a little in the beginning was smart. Still, that didn’t make me like him. He did terrible things, then semi-good things, then he did terrible things again until I was able to like him at the end. He is a very complex character and his relationship with Niya was the same. It wasn’t just attraction between them, they were alike in ways that made their attraction believable and that was a great plus for them as a couple. Their moments together weren’t dull that’s for sure but I don’t know, it lacked some spark –in my opinion- that made them not as attractive for me as Larkyra and Darius –still love them but Lark and Darius hold first place lol-. Don’t get me wrong, I liked a lot how their relationship started and ended, their journey together was a good one and it made Niya grow from not knowing what she wanted to getting to really know herself and Alos started only caring for himself and his crew but understood the importance of counting on others, so yes, their relationship is great, don’t doubt that.
“I love you, fire dancer,” he rumbled while running a finger along her covered neck, down, down, daringly close to her breasts. just so you know, that “I love you” was when they were together a long time ago and Alos was freaking manipulating her.
“Carry me.”
“You’ll have to repeat that,” he said. “The river is quite loud.”
“You heard me just fine.” She fisted hands on hips.
“I promise I did not,” he said, feigning innocence. “Something about cranberry tea, was it?”
“Carry. Me.” now, this is real<3
Overall, this book was really good, it was funny, entertaining, adventurous and an easy-read. I really, really, REALLY want the third book to come out.
P.S. I also got a sneak peek on Arabessa and Zimri sooooooo no complaints from me
“You aren’t vain?” Niya raised her brows.
“No, I am not.” Arabessa cut her a glance. “But I am growing tired of this line of questioning. I do not see the point in it.”
“The point,” said Zimri, “is that I see beauty. When I look at you.”
Niya watched as Arabessa blinked over to him, a tense silence filling the room as they regarded one another.
Niya found Larkyra’s twinkling gaze, suppressing a grin as her sister wiggled her eyebrows up and down.
“So?” Arabessa eventually asked, the annoyance in her voice faltering.
“So,” Zimri continued, “if you do, too, then our definition of what pleases the eye is not so very different. Which would mean you do find my smile to be beautiful, because I find my smile quite beautiful too.”
I have to say, this trilogy has been a pleasant surprise for me, I loved the first book a lot and this one –the second- didn’t disappoint, I still think the first one is better but that is just my personal opinion.
One of constants of the book is the world, I love how this world works, how magic plays its part, the fact that magic is around people but in a very controlled way because the Thief Kingdom –even though is evil or said to be evil- regulates and controls how magic works. I loved that concept when it was presented in Song of the Forever Rains, the place is evil BUT it keeps evil in check in a very clever way. Also, loved the new places this book gives us, those places expanded Aadilor, I mean, we can see them in the map but here I was there with the characters and let me tell you I loved every single place, they work differently and even though some aspects of this place are known in other books it still feels fresh. Loved the kingdom under the water –Esrom-, I liked a lot the Valley of the giants and the clever ways it is introduced to us, liked a lot how the sea has places to hide that are magical, that was new and creative and I liked the kingdom that was presented, the pace where Achak and Niya met. In short, this world is amazing and it does not bore you one bit.
But Niya understood that the Thief Kingdom existed to contain what would otherwise live chaotically throughout Aadilor.
Another thing that was consistent was the family banter. This, in my opinion, is one of the pillars of these books. The family is one of the most important things there is and they aren’t there just to say jokes or bother each other, they are the rocks in which their strength is built. Niya was reckless, beyond reckless and her family was there to help her see the things she was doing wrong, I mean Arabessa did it in the wrong ways but she was still there, even the twins –Achak- helped her a lot at some point. Again, we don’t get a lot of Dolion but every time he was on page it was amazing
“Oh! And the next time we are together,” Larkyra added, “remind me to tell you about Arabessa walking in on Zimri—ow! Father, did you see Ara just hit me?”
“You had a spider on you,” Arabessa said coolly.
“I like spiders,” said Larkyra, trying to slap Arabessa back.
“You’ve seen much in these few months.”
Niya waved away the seriousness in her sister’s voice. She did not want to go there. Not yet. “Few months? It has been at least three hundred years since I’ve last seen you,” she corrected. “I mean, look”—Niya pointed toward Arabessa’s coiled black locks—“is that gray starting to sprout at your temples?”
As I think I said in my updates, I didn’t like Alos one bit, the dude was a bastard with capital letters. It was an intelligent move to start the book with his POV because as readers we didn’t really know anything about him so to get to know him a little in the beginning was smart. Still, that didn’t make me like him. He did terrible things, then semi-good things, then he did terrible things again until I was able to like him at the end. He is a very complex character and his relationship with Niya was the same. It wasn’t just attraction between them, they were alike in ways that made their attraction believable and that was a great plus for them as a couple. Their moments together weren’t dull that’s for sure but I don’t know, it lacked some spark –in my opinion- that made them not as attractive for me as Larkyra and Darius –still love them but Lark and Darius hold first place lol-. Don’t get me wrong, I liked a lot how their relationship started and ended, their journey together was a good one and it made Niya grow from not knowing what she wanted to getting to really know herself and Alos started only caring for himself and his crew but understood the importance of counting on others, so yes, their relationship is great, don’t doubt that.
“I love you, fire dancer,” he rumbled while running a finger along her covered neck, down, down, daringly close to her breasts. just so you know, that “I love you” was when they were together a long time ago and Alos was freaking manipulating her.
“Carry me.”
“You’ll have to repeat that,” he said. “The river is quite loud.”
“You heard me just fine.” She fisted hands on hips.
“I promise I did not,” he said, feigning innocence. “Something about cranberry tea, was it?”
“Carry. Me.” now, this is real<3
Overall, this book was really good, it was funny, entertaining, adventurous and an easy-read. I really, really, REALLY want the third book to come out.
P.S. I also got a sneak peek on Arabessa and Zimri sooooooo no complaints from me
“You aren’t vain?” Niya raised her brows.
“No, I am not.” Arabessa cut her a glance. “But I am growing tired of this line of questioning. I do not see the point in it.”
“The point,” said Zimri, “is that I see beauty. When I look at you.”
Niya watched as Arabessa blinked over to him, a tense silence filling the room as they regarded one another.
Niya found Larkyra’s twinkling gaze, suppressing a grin as her sister wiggled her eyebrows up and down.
“So?” Arabessa eventually asked, the annoyance in her voice faltering.
“So,” Zimri continued, “if you do, too, then our definition of what pleases the eye is not so very different. Which would mean you do find my smile to be beautiful, because I find my smile quite beautiful too.”
October 23, 2022
HE FUCKING WHIPPED HER.
I was absolutely livid by how Niya's story turned out to be.
Terrible love interest, he was so bad I wanted the book to end with his death.
The power dynamic never, not even once, tipped in her favor. Moreover, it made their sexual interactions not entirely consensual in my opinion. He always had the upper hand, constantly, forcing, commanding her to do things she didn't want to do or always reminding her that she's under his control. This is a prime example of an abusive, toxic hero with a tragic back story to "redeem and excuse" his actions. Still, he was not redeemed in my eyes. I don't remember the last time I hated a character this much.
Everything was disappointing Because I was excited for this one, it had pirates, seas, and adventures that are right up my ally. However, Dance of a Burning Sea was huge miss for me.
If I could erase this terrible, abusive, disgusting story from my brain I would.
The Bassette sisters were the only good thing about this sequel. Truly, they were the only saving grace.
The offering of seaweed oil to help heal her scabbing wounds. It had been an odd moment of generosity from the pirate captain, which she tried to forget as she entered his space.
Yes, he whipped her but it's okay because he was generous enough to give her seaweed oil for her wounds. FUCK YOU, ALOS EZRA, YOU SADISTIC BASTARD.
I was absolutely livid by how Niya's story turned out to be.
Terrible love interest, he was so bad I wanted the book to end with his death.
The power dynamic never, not even once, tipped in her favor. Moreover, it made their sexual interactions not entirely consensual in my opinion. He always had the upper hand, constantly, forcing, commanding her to do things she didn't want to do or always reminding her that she's under his control. This is a prime example of an abusive, toxic hero with a tragic back story to "redeem and excuse" his actions. Still, he was not redeemed in my eyes. I don't remember the last time I hated a character this much.
Everything was disappointing Because I was excited for this one, it had pirates, seas, and adventures that are right up my ally. However, Dance of a Burning Sea was huge miss for me.
If I could erase this terrible, abusive, disgusting story from my brain I would.
The Bassette sisters were the only good thing about this sequel. Truly, they were the only saving grace.
The offering of seaweed oil to help heal her scabbing wounds. It had been an odd moment of generosity from the pirate captain, which she tried to forget as she entered his space.
Yes, he whipped her but it's okay because he was generous enough to give her seaweed oil for her wounds. FUCK YOU, ALOS EZRA, YOU SADISTIC BASTARD.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2023
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, NA
Tropes: enemies to lovers, slow burn, kidnapped heroine, bargain, pirates, finding treasure, redemption arc
Series: Mousai #2
Cliffhanger: No
Trigger Warnings: death, violence
Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Spice: 1.5/5 🌶
“Is it a sin to enjoy what little entertainment this terrible life gives us?” he asked.
“When it’s at my expense, yes,” replied Niya. “It is a sin punishable by death, actually.”
I LOVED IT. Full review to come
》》Favorite Scenes《《
🏴☠️Ezra's Prologue
💃🏻Niya discovering who was her captor
🤝🏻The bet
💃🏻🏴☠️Niya's memory of her first interaction with Alos Ezra
🎻💃🏻🐦The Mousai entering the ship
💃🏻Niya fighting Burlz and Prik
🏴☠️Ezra talking about his crew
“But you are pirates,” said Niya. “Are you not meant to create and thrive in chaos?”
“Perhaps in time you’ll come to learn we are more than that.”
“Says the man who just decapitated someone beside me.”
“To the woman who just killed a man below deck.”
“He started it.”
🏴☠️💃🏻Alos watching Niya dance for Cebba
🏰The visit to Esrom
💃🏻Niya's escape and new bargain
💨Dancing in the storm
💃🏻The memory stone
🏴☠️💃🏻Alos and Niya before the evening feast
“I was after leverage when I first met you. I no longer had a home or a family. Everything was business to me, a transaction for a better standing in the pecking order. That first night I came to the palace, I searched for the most valuable thing in the room and saw you, Niya Bassette, dancer of the Mousai.”
🦜Kintra's story
💃🏻🏴☠️The alcove
🐦💃🏻🎻The Mousai performing
💃🏻Niya being interrupted in the bath
“Perhaps you should get naked and I dressed and see if such a reversal would make you as disagreeable as I.”
White teeth flashed with his grin. “I would only find fault in that situation because we were not both naked together.”
💃🏻🏴☠️Crossing the rivers on the island of giants
🔴Finding the last piece of the stone
⚔️The fight
“Why did you not fight back?”
“Because, fire dancer, how do you fight someone who is no longer your enemy?”
“But we were meant to.” Niya shook him in frustration. “You forced us to.”
“Yes, and it was far more important that you win. You are more valuable on this plane than I, fire dancer.”
💃🏻Niya bringing help from her sisters
🏴☠️Alos escaping on his own
Tropes: enemies to lovers, slow burn, kidnapped heroine, bargain, pirates, finding treasure, redemption arc
Series: Mousai #2
Cliffhanger: No
Trigger Warnings: death, violence
Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Spice: 1.5/5 🌶
“Is it a sin to enjoy what little entertainment this terrible life gives us?” he asked.
“When it’s at my expense, yes,” replied Niya. “It is a sin punishable by death, actually.”
I LOVED IT. Full review to come
》》Favorite Scenes《《
🏴☠️Ezra's Prologue
💃🏻Niya discovering who was her captor
🤝🏻The bet
💃🏻🏴☠️Niya's memory of her first interaction with Alos Ezra
🎻💃🏻🐦The Mousai entering the ship
💃🏻Niya fighting Burlz and Prik
🏴☠️Ezra talking about his crew
“But you are pirates,” said Niya. “Are you not meant to create and thrive in chaos?”
“Perhaps in time you’ll come to learn we are more than that.”
“Says the man who just decapitated someone beside me.”
“To the woman who just killed a man below deck.”
“He started it.”
🏴☠️💃🏻Alos watching Niya dance for Cebba
🏰The visit to Esrom
💃🏻Niya's escape and new bargain
💨Dancing in the storm
💃🏻The memory stone
🏴☠️💃🏻Alos and Niya before the evening feast
“I was after leverage when I first met you. I no longer had a home or a family. Everything was business to me, a transaction for a better standing in the pecking order. That first night I came to the palace, I searched for the most valuable thing in the room and saw you, Niya Bassette, dancer of the Mousai.”
🦜Kintra's story
💃🏻🏴☠️The alcove
🐦💃🏻🎻The Mousai performing
💃🏻Niya being interrupted in the bath
“Perhaps you should get naked and I dressed and see if such a reversal would make you as disagreeable as I.”
White teeth flashed with his grin. “I would only find fault in that situation because we were not both naked together.”
💃🏻🏴☠️Crossing the rivers on the island of giants
🔴Finding the last piece of the stone
⚔️The fight
“Why did you not fight back?”
“Because, fire dancer, how do you fight someone who is no longer your enemy?”
“But we were meant to.” Niya shook him in frustration. “You forced us to.”
“Yes, and it was far more important that you win. You are more valuable on this plane than I, fire dancer.”
💃🏻Niya bringing help from her sisters
🏴☠️Alos escaping on his own
July 24, 2022
I'm starting to OBSESS over this series. I went from meh to YAAHH in seconds. The chemistry between Alōs and Niya was AMAZING and I just love them so much. I found them adorable and the chemistry was literally on fire. It has been one day since finished this book and I literally cannot stop obsessing over this series. I need book three to come now and read Arabessa's story!
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Find me on:
My Blog | My BookTube | My Book Club | Instagram | Twitter
January 28, 2022
EDIT: you know what, I came back after a quick skim of other reviews and saw that people who rated this from 1-4 stars ALL AGREE there wasn’t enough groveling. Also yeah, that end was nonsensical. I can’t believe this is my first Kindle book of 2022 after reading a bunch of translated E Asian stories. I low key regret coming back bc this “romance” was trash in the smelliest of ways.
I loved the first book in this series, but this one made me pissed off. Sure, it checks off the boxes of fantasy romance, diverse characters, exciting adventures on a ship, and all that jazz. Niya was an okay female lead who was hot-headed, to match her fire powers.
Warning: rant ahead, read at own risk. Will have minor spoilers and major opinions.
But let me tell you about the thing that made this book unbearable: the male lead, Alōs (not sure how to spell his name and not going to bother because he doesn’t deserve my respect). This trash of a male lead creates a power dynamic that is NEVER tipped by the end of the book. Are there apologies? Yes. A round of noble idiocy? Sure (which, in the end made the female lead do a boat load of shit she didn’t have to do). Character growth? Yes. He resents the “young” him who was cold and used to use people in favor of opening up… because of the female lead. Aight, that checks out.
BUT THAT DOESNT MAKE UP FOR EVERYTHING. I expected a HUGE grovel. Y’all lemme tell you from my 10+ years of experience reading m/f romances - especially fantasy ones - I have come across horrible male leads (and female leads!). From watt pad stories to indie authors to big publishing houses to even translated stories from across the sea, I have read the gamut of imbalanced power dynamics, especially when the power it tipped to the male part of the m/f pair. But lemme tell you - I expected MORE from this story. I certainly didn’t expect the first 25% of the story (a slow one, at that) to be about the male lead binding the female lead in a contract (TO DEATH) that makes him a crew mate of his ship, and thus SUBSERVIENT to him. And this ain’t the first “kidnapped by the pirate” and a touch of “Stockholm syndrome” rodeo I’ve ridden, but literally wtf??? Niya the heroine is literally whispering “I want to kill him, I hate him, blah blah” and forgives all of that when he reveals his tragic pass. Like pls I — 😭🤚
OH BUT THE SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE. Y’all I was excited for that too. Second chance romances, when written well, got my heart all aching and shit. I love the yearning, the longing, the stab of regret bc the romantic parties had no other choice, BUT IT WASNT EVEN A ROMANCE AT FIRST??? At least, it was one-sided. Niya fell in love but the dude was literally seducing her for her secret. That was all. And he even recognizes it too, in the present his narrative was like “oh how I wish to decimate the young pirate back then who took her for granted/hurt her” and that shit but like , I never felt his words hit home. I needed a better grovel than that. I needed more of an equal power dynamic between the two. Even when she saved his crew and whatnot, HE WAS STILL IN CONTROL AS THE CAPTAIN. Also sorry if there are events that show otherwise from my review, I read like 25% and got pissed off and ended up reading the last 75% so there’s a middle chunk I skipped out of fury. I would say that skip was a good use of my time.
Look, I get it. I know where the author is coming from, I really do. At one point when the main leads are having sex he’s like “she’s my queen, I give my heart to her, she holds the power over me, blah blah.” BOY IT SURE DONT LOOK LIKE IT????? Not when you fucking kidnapped her, drugged her, allowed her to get verbally abused by your crew, and FUCKING WHIPPED HER to show your power as a captain. And miss girl was just like “it’s okay, that’s how the world works” 😭😭😭😭 LIKE HAVE SOME RESPECT FOR URSELF SISTER. I liked how Niya was waiting for revenge/payback at first BUT DID IT EVER HAPPEN???? (Maybe I did. I wouldn’t know since I skipped the middle chunk) I. NEEDED. GROVELING. Actions speak louder than words (in fact he never even said those thoughts aloud, so there weren’t even words!!!! We’re talking about the lowest of low bars right here!), and I ain’t buying it. Oh but there was this one scene where he “sacrifices” himself so she could escape and she literally made a big deal just to find out that he managed to escape as well. WHAT WAS THE WHOLE POINT OF THAT IM??? Instead of making a potential vindicated scene where she saves him and he grovels, he just walks out without a harm like ladida. And again, I get it. It’s supposed to show that he trusts her and she also cares for him by breaking her damn back to save him even tho he didn’t need help in the first place. But that still makes me FURIOUS. Way to undermine her damn power, man.
AGAIN, I GET THST BROODY MALE LEADS WITH TRAGIC PASTS WHO ONLY OPEN UP AFTER MEETING A FEISTY HEROINE IS A TROPE THAT WILL NEVER DIE. I do. I like those stories too. BUT there must be a trade off. I need a SEVERE grovel or yearning/regret to make up for it. It’s not enough that the male lead calls her “his queen” and that “she has control over him,” he has to SHOW IT. HOW IS SHE UR QUEEN WHEN YOU GONNA WHIP HER HUH??????????????????? Where tf did that “revenge” go Niya? I’m so ????!!! 25% into the story and he’s still cold to her without an OUNCE of romance on his side. SLIGJT SPOILER AHEAD BUT At the end of the fucking book he’s like “you make me happy” and she’s like “I do?” ARE YALL FOR REAL. Even with dealing with his past, what the FUCK was that dense dialogue at the end. This made their relationship feel shallow as fuck. Like y’all been fucking each other and saving each other’s lives and shit and you’re surprised you make him happy? It’s his own fault for not clearly saying anything along those lines. Oh yeah, and let’s not forget the romantic proposal of “stay with me and warm my bed” when it’s time for them to separate and she goes like “I can’t be a part of your crew.” OHKAY SO SHES YOUR “QUEEN” IN YOUR MIND BUT A BEDWARMER IN REALITY? I C U DOING THE BARE FUCKING MINIMUM, MATE. Honestly at that point even worse than that. Why couldn’t you give her a co captain role then?? Or at least as your partner (doesn’t have to be a label but yeah, any relationship past a “bed warmer”)??????????????? It’s the lack of romance for me. I was expecting this story to make my heart ache (good way), not my brain to explode (bad way).
What a damn pity. This book had so much potential for a healthy balance of romance, adventure, and fantasy. I remember really enjoying the first book in the series. I might even read the last one bc I do like that couple (and am curious about that male lead). But this pirate dude let me down. I can get past the kidnapping, Stockholm, emotional manipulation and abuse, actual physical abuse (indirectly), and initial coldness. BUT I CANNOT FORGIVE UNLESS THERES A REASOJ TOO. And from what I read, homegirl is better off. She just likes him bc she pities him and he’s hot and he needed a support pillar to gain the confidence to open up. Just another day’s work for a women’s dignity to be shot to the ground while the male lead resolves his past trauma using her as a crutch. Hey but their powers are water and fire, so they MUST be a match for each other, right? Whatever.
I loved the first book in this series, but this one made me pissed off. Sure, it checks off the boxes of fantasy romance, diverse characters, exciting adventures on a ship, and all that jazz. Niya was an okay female lead who was hot-headed, to match her fire powers.
Warning: rant ahead, read at own risk. Will have minor spoilers and major opinions.
But let me tell you about the thing that made this book unbearable: the male lead, Alōs (not sure how to spell his name and not going to bother because he doesn’t deserve my respect). This trash of a male lead creates a power dynamic that is NEVER tipped by the end of the book. Are there apologies? Yes. A round of noble idiocy? Sure (which, in the end made the female lead do a boat load of shit she didn’t have to do). Character growth? Yes. He resents the “young” him who was cold and used to use people in favor of opening up… because of the female lead. Aight, that checks out.
BUT THAT DOESNT MAKE UP FOR EVERYTHING. I expected a HUGE grovel. Y’all lemme tell you from my 10+ years of experience reading m/f romances - especially fantasy ones - I have come across horrible male leads (and female leads!). From watt pad stories to indie authors to big publishing houses to even translated stories from across the sea, I have read the gamut of imbalanced power dynamics, especially when the power it tipped to the male part of the m/f pair. But lemme tell you - I expected MORE from this story. I certainly didn’t expect the first 25% of the story (a slow one, at that) to be about the male lead binding the female lead in a contract (TO DEATH) that makes him a crew mate of his ship, and thus SUBSERVIENT to him. And this ain’t the first “kidnapped by the pirate” and a touch of “Stockholm syndrome” rodeo I’ve ridden, but literally wtf??? Niya the heroine is literally whispering “I want to kill him, I hate him, blah blah” and forgives all of that when he reveals his tragic pass. Like pls I — 😭🤚
OH BUT THE SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE. Y’all I was excited for that too. Second chance romances, when written well, got my heart all aching and shit. I love the yearning, the longing, the stab of regret bc the romantic parties had no other choice, BUT IT WASNT EVEN A ROMANCE AT FIRST??? At least, it was one-sided. Niya fell in love but the dude was literally seducing her for her secret. That was all. And he even recognizes it too, in the present his narrative was like “oh how I wish to decimate the young pirate back then who took her for granted/hurt her” and that shit but like , I never felt his words hit home. I needed a better grovel than that. I needed more of an equal power dynamic between the two. Even when she saved his crew and whatnot, HE WAS STILL IN CONTROL AS THE CAPTAIN. Also sorry if there are events that show otherwise from my review, I read like 25% and got pissed off and ended up reading the last 75% so there’s a middle chunk I skipped out of fury. I would say that skip was a good use of my time.
Look, I get it. I know where the author is coming from, I really do. At one point when the main leads are having sex he’s like “she’s my queen, I give my heart to her, she holds the power over me, blah blah.” BOY IT SURE DONT LOOK LIKE IT????? Not when you fucking kidnapped her, drugged her, allowed her to get verbally abused by your crew, and FUCKING WHIPPED HER to show your power as a captain. And miss girl was just like “it’s okay, that’s how the world works” 😭😭😭😭 LIKE HAVE SOME RESPECT FOR URSELF SISTER. I liked how Niya was waiting for revenge/payback at first BUT DID IT EVER HAPPEN???? (Maybe I did. I wouldn’t know since I skipped the middle chunk) I. NEEDED. GROVELING. Actions speak louder than words (in fact he never even said those thoughts aloud, so there weren’t even words!!!! We’re talking about the lowest of low bars right here!), and I ain’t buying it. Oh but there was this one scene where he “sacrifices” himself so she could escape and she literally made a big deal just to find out that he managed to escape as well. WHAT WAS THE WHOLE POINT OF THAT IM??? Instead of making a potential vindicated scene where she saves him and he grovels, he just walks out without a harm like ladida. And again, I get it. It’s supposed to show that he trusts her and she also cares for him by breaking her damn back to save him even tho he didn’t need help in the first place. But that still makes me FURIOUS. Way to undermine her damn power, man.
AGAIN, I GET THST BROODY MALE LEADS WITH TRAGIC PASTS WHO ONLY OPEN UP AFTER MEETING A FEISTY HEROINE IS A TROPE THAT WILL NEVER DIE. I do. I like those stories too. BUT there must be a trade off. I need a SEVERE grovel or yearning/regret to make up for it. It’s not enough that the male lead calls her “his queen” and that “she has control over him,” he has to SHOW IT. HOW IS SHE UR QUEEN WHEN YOU GONNA WHIP HER HUH??????????????????? Where tf did that “revenge” go Niya? I’m so ????!!! 25% into the story and he’s still cold to her without an OUNCE of romance on his side. SLIGJT SPOILER AHEAD BUT At the end of the fucking book he’s like “you make me happy” and she’s like “I do?” ARE YALL FOR REAL. Even with dealing with his past, what the FUCK was that dense dialogue at the end. This made their relationship feel shallow as fuck. Like y’all been fucking each other and saving each other’s lives and shit and you’re surprised you make him happy? It’s his own fault for not clearly saying anything along those lines. Oh yeah, and let’s not forget the romantic proposal of “stay with me and warm my bed” when it’s time for them to separate and she goes like “I can’t be a part of your crew.” OHKAY SO SHES YOUR “QUEEN” IN YOUR MIND BUT A BEDWARMER IN REALITY? I C U DOING THE BARE FUCKING MINIMUM, MATE. Honestly at that point even worse than that. Why couldn’t you give her a co captain role then?? Or at least as your partner (doesn’t have to be a label but yeah, any relationship past a “bed warmer”)??????????????? It’s the lack of romance for me. I was expecting this story to make my heart ache (good way), not my brain to explode (bad way).
What a damn pity. This book had so much potential for a healthy balance of romance, adventure, and fantasy. I remember really enjoying the first book in the series. I might even read the last one bc I do like that couple (and am curious about that male lead). But this pirate dude let me down. I can get past the kidnapping, Stockholm, emotional manipulation and abuse, actual physical abuse (indirectly), and initial coldness. BUT I CANNOT FORGIVE UNLESS THERES A REASOJ TOO. And from what I read, homegirl is better off. She just likes him bc she pities him and he’s hot and he needed a support pillar to gain the confidence to open up. Just another day’s work for a women’s dignity to be shot to the ground while the male lead resolves his past trauma using her as a crutch. Hey but their powers are water and fire, so they MUST be a match for each other, right? Whatever.
September 12, 2021
ARC Review: Thank you so much for this opportunity.
“Scars, struggles, and flaws made one interesting.”
.
I loved this story. It was glorious. Full of adventure, magic, wickedness, and tons of tension. This is an adult, enemies to lovers, fantasy romance book. It had just enough spiciness too. Focusing on another one of our favorite sisters, Niya, and a handsome, ruthless pirate, Alós Ezra. Two people with a past that still haunts them have to come together to resolve a new adventure. Both constantly are wanting to kill each other any chance they get. Will they survive this new chapter together or will they both leave broken hearted?
.
Niya is a strong willed, sarcastic, loving woman. She absolutely adores her family and will do just about anything to keep them safe. However, a mistake she made in the past now haunts her, and puts her family at risk. In order to keep it in the past, she is now throw into close quarters with a ruthless, delicious pirate. Niya is now having to deal with the trauma of the past while also discovering a new part of her she didn’t even know existed. Along the way her heart and feelings start to grow and change. Will she survive the end result?
.
Alos Ezra has always been know as a ruthless, power hungry pirate. He is captain of the Crying Queen full of thieves and scoundrels. All just as ruthless as their captain. However, this pirate has a secret past that has lead to who he is today, but that past has also come to haunt him now. He will now do anything to fix this new problem. Even by bringing abroad an old friend that could end up thawing his cold heart.
.
After reading this I cannot wait for the next sister’s book. I enjoyed this story so much. This cover is also gorgeous and perfect for this story. It is definitely a slow burn, but E J Mellow does an amazing job at adding so much more adventure, and action to the story that the slow burn fades to the background. You’re engaged the entire time with all that is going on. If you haven’t already preordered this book you must do it as it releases real soon!
“Scars, struggles, and flaws made one interesting.”
.
I loved this story. It was glorious. Full of adventure, magic, wickedness, and tons of tension. This is an adult, enemies to lovers, fantasy romance book. It had just enough spiciness too. Focusing on another one of our favorite sisters, Niya, and a handsome, ruthless pirate, Alós Ezra. Two people with a past that still haunts them have to come together to resolve a new adventure. Both constantly are wanting to kill each other any chance they get. Will they survive this new chapter together or will they both leave broken hearted?
.
Niya is a strong willed, sarcastic, loving woman. She absolutely adores her family and will do just about anything to keep them safe. However, a mistake she made in the past now haunts her, and puts her family at risk. In order to keep it in the past, she is now throw into close quarters with a ruthless, delicious pirate. Niya is now having to deal with the trauma of the past while also discovering a new part of her she didn’t even know existed. Along the way her heart and feelings start to grow and change. Will she survive the end result?
.
Alos Ezra has always been know as a ruthless, power hungry pirate. He is captain of the Crying Queen full of thieves and scoundrels. All just as ruthless as their captain. However, this pirate has a secret past that has lead to who he is today, but that past has also come to haunt him now. He will now do anything to fix this new problem. Even by bringing abroad an old friend that could end up thawing his cold heart.
.
After reading this I cannot wait for the next sister’s book. I enjoyed this story so much. This cover is also gorgeous and perfect for this story. It is definitely a slow burn, but E J Mellow does an amazing job at adding so much more adventure, and action to the story that the slow burn fades to the background. You’re engaged the entire time with all that is going on. If you haven’t already preordered this book you must do it as it releases real soon!
November 13, 2023
İlk kitaptan beri heyecanla bu çifti bekliyordum. Alev Dansçım ve Korsanım 🔥🔥🔥
Aralarındaki çekim denizleri ateşe verdi. 🙊
Nefretten aşka & ikinci şans... Öyle güzel işlenmiş ki.🤌 Ve deniz & korsan & büyü bu konuları da yazar afiyet bal seker mükemmel anlatmış. Ben aşırı keyif aldım okurken. Normalde deniz temalı kitaplar okumayı çok seviyorum ama benim okuduklarımdan çoğu beni tatmin etmemişti. Burada aşırı fırtınalar yoktu ama zaten olay o değildi ve hem korsan hem deniz & gemi & mürettebat her şey con güzel işlenmişti.
Yıllar önce kalbimizi kıran korsan Alõs, Niya'yı kaçırıyor ve kaybettiği bahis sonucu Niya bir yıl bu gemide kalmak zorunda.😈
Genç Yetişkin diye başladığım kitabın bazı sahneleri...🔥🙊 Her şeyi çok çok çok uygundu çiftime. İkisinin büyü gücü birbirinin tam zıttı. Niya ateş ise Alõs buz.
Ayrıca Alõs'un hikayesini öğrendik ve bazı yerlerde ağlamak istedim!!?? Hatta Niya ve Alõs'un bir sahnesi var.."kal".... Orda cidden oturup ağlamak istedim. Kalbim acıdı.
Niya'nın kendi yolunu, özgürlüğünü ve evini bulması çok güzeldi bence. Mürettebat ile ilişkilerini, Alõs'un bir aileden dışlanıp korsanları ile mükemmel bir aile olmaları ve bizim bunlara şahit olmamız beni aşırı keyiflendirdi okurken.
Kitabın çekimi 100/10
Smut 2/5
Kitap 100/10
Karakterler 100/10
Aralarındaki çekim denizleri ateşe verdi. 🙊
Nefretten aşka & ikinci şans... Öyle güzel işlenmiş ki.🤌 Ve deniz & korsan & büyü bu konuları da yazar afiyet bal seker mükemmel anlatmış. Ben aşırı keyif aldım okurken. Normalde deniz temalı kitaplar okumayı çok seviyorum ama benim okuduklarımdan çoğu beni tatmin etmemişti. Burada aşırı fırtınalar yoktu ama zaten olay o değildi ve hem korsan hem deniz & gemi & mürettebat her şey con güzel işlenmişti.
Yıllar önce kalbimizi kıran korsan Alõs, Niya'yı kaçırıyor ve kaybettiği bahis sonucu Niya bir yıl bu gemide kalmak zorunda.😈
Genç Yetişkin diye başladığım kitabın bazı sahneleri...🔥🙊 Her şeyi çok çok çok uygundu çiftime. İkisinin büyü gücü birbirinin tam zıttı. Niya ateş ise Alõs buz.
Ayrıca Alõs'un hikayesini öğrendik ve bazı yerlerde ağlamak istedim!!?? Hatta Niya ve Alõs'un bir sahnesi var.."kal".... Orda cidden oturup ağlamak istedim. Kalbim acıdı.
Niya'nın kendi yolunu, özgürlüğünü ve evini bulması çok güzeldi bence. Mürettebat ile ilişkilerini, Alõs'un bir aileden dışlanıp korsanları ile mükemmel bir aile olmaları ve bizim bunlara şahit olmamız beni aşırı keyiflendirdi okurken.
Kitabın çekimi 100/10
Smut 2/5
Kitap 100/10
Karakterler 100/10
November 8, 2021
3.5 stars. I did not enjoy this sequel as much the first Mousai book- maybe it was Niya- who I found quite spoiled and abrasive much of the time- or the sea setting at sea which took us away from the Thief Kingdom- but somehow the magic was less for me. I will still read the next in series though as I think this was a particular combination that didn’t quite tick the boxes for me!
March 15, 2024
I thought I loved pirates but turns out I don't care for sea settings that much so maybe I just love criminals. Anyways Niya would have loved Doja cat
4.5
4.5
October 6, 2022
This series continues to excite me!
In the second installment we follow the middle sister, Niya, the dancer of the group.
As a character I love her. She's very headstrong and unafraid although also a bit angry at times, she's working on it though, and she might want to work on those betting issues as well.
A quick run-down of the good and the bad:
➕Chemistry (incl. hot and cold magic, very fitting)
➕Slow-burn enemies-to-lovers but also reluctant allies
➕Hot pirate lord, hello
➕Badass female character
➕Humor
➖Felt a bit long-drawn, don't think 490 was necessary
➖Too many flashbacks that were too long
Overall a solid 4/5⭐
Now onto the last one 😇
In the second installment we follow the middle sister, Niya, the dancer of the group.
As a character I love her. She's very headstrong and unafraid although also a bit angry at times, she's working on it though, and she might want to work on those betting issues as well.
A quick run-down of the good and the bad:
➕Chemistry (incl. hot and cold magic, very fitting)
➕Slow-burn enemies-to-lovers but also reluctant allies
➕Hot pirate lord, hello
➕Badass female character
➕Humor
➖Felt a bit long-drawn, don't think 490 was necessary
➖Too many flashbacks that were too long
Overall a solid 4/5⭐
Now onto the last one 😇
January 10, 2023
After a really bad first book (the romance was especially tepid), this was an unusual surprise.
This was like Book 2 in the Horde Kings of Dakkar series, Claimed by the Horde King. A surprise banger of a novel with high tension, high stakes and hateful, bordering on violent, enemies-to-lovers romance.
It was glorious.
"Dance of a Burning Sea" as a title really fails to inspire the awe in potential readers like you. Really the title should've been "Fire Dancer", not because the heroine is pretty much FIRE and I love her (although she is and I do, thanks for asking), but because this novel is totally and completely hers. Her journey, her trials, her adventure.
The author was brutal with the hero and heroine. We got some dialogues and interactions that were total unsatisfying sad downers and I appreciated that so much. The book starts several years after the hero really worked the heroine over. She rightfully has no trust and no chill. The hero's emotionally cold and dead routine is believable and makes sense, which surprised me. God, I hate emotionally dead heroes who are actually just a wild hot mess with some edgy lone wolf pastiche on them. Hero was the real deal and honest to god I don't forgive him because fuck his reasoning and lack of grovelling, BUT I can respect that. He did what he felt he must and he stood by his past mistakes. Plus, he's a pirate. It's good to see a pretty gray pirate once in a while who doesn't become instand mush when faced with a spitfire heroine.
Although, not becoming mush over a heroine like Niya? Genuinely can't relate, she'd be up on my pedestal 24/7 if I was that hero. Most of her scenes feel like an invitation to clap and cheer to me.
I intentionally compared this to Claimed by the Horde King for two reasons:
a) the Horde King series is laughably bad outside of book 2, which is fantastic, basically.
b) in both books the hero kidnaps and hurts the heroine, which comes back to bite him.
That's where the similarities end, obviously. Zoey Draven's characters in her mainstream lovey-dovey Game of Thrones alien fanfic have a much different journey from EJ Mellow's fantasy pirates.
To romance readers, I'd give this the highest possible recommendation.
This was like Book 2 in the Horde Kings of Dakkar series, Claimed by the Horde King. A surprise banger of a novel with high tension, high stakes and hateful, bordering on violent, enemies-to-lovers romance.
It was glorious.
"Dance of a Burning Sea" as a title really fails to inspire the awe in potential readers like you. Really the title should've been "Fire Dancer", not because the heroine is pretty much FIRE and I love her (although she is and I do, thanks for asking), but because this novel is totally and completely hers. Her journey, her trials, her adventure.
The author was brutal with the hero and heroine. We got some dialogues and interactions that were total unsatisfying sad downers and I appreciated that so much. The book starts several years after the hero really worked the heroine over. She rightfully has no trust and no chill. The hero's emotionally cold and dead routine is believable and makes sense, which surprised me. God, I hate emotionally dead heroes who are actually just a wild hot mess with some edgy lone wolf pastiche on them. Hero was the real deal and honest to god I don't forgive him because fuck his reasoning and lack of grovelling, BUT I can respect that. He did what he felt he must and he stood by his past mistakes. Plus, he's a pirate. It's good to see a pretty gray pirate once in a while who doesn't become instand mush when faced with a spitfire heroine.
Although, not becoming mush over a heroine like Niya? Genuinely can't relate, she'd be up on my pedestal 24/7 if I was that hero. Most of her scenes feel like an invitation to clap and cheer to me.
I intentionally compared this to Claimed by the Horde King for two reasons:
a) the Horde King series is laughably bad outside of book 2, which is fantastic, basically.
b) in both books the hero kidnaps and hurts the heroine, which comes back to bite him.
That's where the similarities end, obviously. Zoey Draven's characters in her mainstream lovey-dovey Game of Thrones alien fanfic have a much different journey from EJ Mellow's fantasy pirates.
To romance readers, I'd give this the highest possible recommendation.
October 26, 2021
This was a wonderful installment in what has been one of my favourite series of this year.
If you like slow burn, enemies to lovers, fantasy romance than I haven't read much better than this!
The world building is rich, the character deeply characterised, the chemistry sizzling, the rommace genuine and we'll developed and the enemies to lovers is done just perfectly.
I think I liked Niya and Alos' story even more than the first book. They have excellent reasons to be enemies, and with the way Alos treated her in the past, and with his actions at the start of the book, I was intrigued at how he would be redeemed in Niya's and the reader's eyes. But it really is masterfully done.
I highly recommend this series!
If you like slow burn, enemies to lovers, fantasy romance than I haven't read much better than this!
The world building is rich, the character deeply characterised, the chemistry sizzling, the rommace genuine and we'll developed and the enemies to lovers is done just perfectly.
I think I liked Niya and Alos' story even more than the first book. They have excellent reasons to be enemies, and with the way Alos treated her in the past, and with his actions at the start of the book, I was intrigued at how he would be redeemed in Niya's and the reader's eyes. But it really is masterfully done.
I highly recommend this series!
January 17, 2024
Ох друга частина була краща за першу!
Чому?
Вона більш пекельна 🔥. В першій частині герої лише незнайомці, тому вони один одного не могли оцінити нормально і через це постійно виникало непорозуміння. У другій - головні герої вже знають один одного, в них дуже сильна та взаємна ненависть. Фактично, головний герой Алос використовує Нію, поступово розкриваючи власні таємниці. Вони розкривають свої душі і визнають власні почуття.
По характеру книжки різні. В плані перша частина наповнена сентиментальністю, психологічними травмами та біллю. Друга книжка мені здалася більш енергійною, сильною, пристрасною, жорстокою, наповненою протилежностями, які притягуються.
Єдиний мінус, який несподівано зʼявився для мене під час читання - відчуття дежавю, що я вже таке читала. І ще авторка повторює «каркас» розвитку сюжету, це може не так очевидно, коли читаєш книжки з перервою, проте, коли читаєш підряд, я побачила цей невеличкий недолік.
4,5/5
Чому?
Вона більш пекельна 🔥. В першій частині герої лише незнайомці, тому вони один одного не могли оцінити нормально і через це постійно виникало непорозуміння. У другій - головні герої вже знають один одного, в них дуже сильна та взаємна ненависть. Фактично, головний герой Алос використовує Нію, поступово розкриваючи власні таємниці. Вони розкривають свої душі і визнають власні почуття.
По характеру книжки різні. В плані перша частина наповнена сентиментальністю, психологічними травмами та біллю. Друга книжка мені здалася більш енергійною, сильною, пристрасною, жорстокою, наповненою протилежностями, які притягуються.
Єдиний мінус, який несподівано зʼявився для мене під час читання - відчуття дежавю, що я вже таке читала. І ще авторка повторює «каркас» розвитку сюжету, це може не так очевидно, коли читаєш книжки з перервою, проте, коли читаєш підряд, я побачила цей невеличкий недолік.
4,5/5
December 10, 2021
“His large form was swallowed by his dark coat, hair pulled back at the base of his neck to reveal his angular features and startling glowing eyes. Eyes that enveloped her with a burst of memories and desire. “Hello, fire dancer,” he rumbled. “Hello, pirate.” -E.J. Mellow🖤
This was a great adventurous ride full of pirates, lost treasures, and faraway kingdoms.🏴☠️🌊📜 I loved the banter between the love interests, they were so adorable and complete mirrors to each other with her being the fire to his ice.🥺😍❤️🔥
I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the oldest sister in the next book!
[TW: Kidnapping, whipping, physical abuse, loss of a parent/loved one, drugging]
This was a great adventurous ride full of pirates, lost treasures, and faraway kingdoms.🏴☠️🌊📜 I loved the banter between the love interests, they were so adorable and complete mirrors to each other with her being the fire to his ice.🥺😍❤️🔥
I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the oldest sister in the next book!
[TW: Kidnapping, whipping, physical abuse, loss of a parent/loved one, drugging]
December 16, 2021
What can I say? My feelings are all over the place. This book is a masterpiece, filled with romance, angst, slowburn and ADVENTURES, I love the world of Aadilor and The Thief Kingdom as much as I love the Bassette sisters, they're definitely my favorite characters.
Alōs and Niya's relationship was EVERYTHING, their dynamics, their banter, those painful flashbacks, I loved everything and I need more of them 😭😭 hope we can see more of their story in Arabessa's book.
Alōs and Niya's relationship was EVERYTHING, their dynamics, their banter, those painful flashbacks, I loved everything and I need more of them 😭😭 hope we can see more of their story in Arabessa's book.
April 24, 2025
slow start but improved greatly
I really struggled with the beginning of the book and nearly DNF’d this one. The reason was Niya, who starts the book as a self-absorbed, whiny individual who thoroughly irritated me. I found nothing to like about her.
Thankfully she undergoes huge character growth once the adventure part of the story begins and I was able to warm to her.
The world building, plot and pace are all executed well. After my initial concerns this soon became a book that I didn’t want to put down. The tension between Niya and Ali’s, the challenges they faced and the host of well written supporting characters all kept me engaged.
I really struggled with the beginning of the book and nearly DNF’d this one. The reason was Niya, who starts the book as a self-absorbed, whiny individual who thoroughly irritated me. I found nothing to like about her.
Thankfully she undergoes huge character growth once the adventure part of the story begins and I was able to warm to her.
The world building, plot and pace are all executed well. After my initial concerns this soon became a book that I didn’t want to put down. The tension between Niya and Ali’s, the challenges they faced and the host of well written supporting characters all kept me engaged.
October 22, 2023
4,5 Sterne ✨
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