The Fey King Rain and his true mate Ellysetta share a passionate love unrivaled in the history of their world—and a forbidden power that made them outcasts from the Fading Lands. As war looms and the evil mages of Eld threaten to rip their world asunder, they must fight to defend the very kingdom and people who reviled them.
Only by trusting completely in their love—and in themselves—can Rain and Ellysetta hope to defeat the gathering forces of Darkness. But it will take more than the strength of their devotion to endure. They must unlock the secrets of the past and find the courage to embrace the dangerous destiny that awaits them. Only they can save their world, but that victory might cost them their lives.
I’m thrilled to dive into Queen of Song and Souls, the next adventure in the Tairen Soul Series by C.L. Wilson! This story is set to be even more intense, with Ellysetta and Rain banished from the Fading Lands and the Massons taking control of the Fae’s leadership. It’s hard not to question whether the Mages, especially the Fire and Earth leaders, have thought about the consequences of their actions. Their blatant distrust and disrespect for Ellysetta because of the mage marks—something completely out of her control—might be the very reason their future looks so grim. Their fears might be the thing that leads her to darkness if they’re not careful.
I’m really hoping the Fire and Earth leaders, who had a hand in Ellysetta’s banishment, get their comeuppance. On the other hand, I love how the Tairen refuses to acknowledge the Masson’s decree and continues to stand by Rain as the true ruler of the Fading Lands. Their loyalty and devotion add such a powerful layer to Rain’s character and the story overall.
But now that Ellysetta is out from the protective veil of the Fading Lands, the stakes are higher than ever. Will she fall into darkness, as the Masson fears, or will she and Rain finally complete their bond and save her soul? There’s so much uncertainty, but I’m excited to see how this plays out. Join me on this adventure as we uncover what fate has in store for Rain and Ellysetta in Queen of Song and Souls!
Queen of Song and Souls has to be the best book in the Tairen Soul series so far! Sure, the series starts a bit slow and does include some potentially triggering content that might be difficult for some readers. But for those who can look past these elements and see how they contribute to the story, the book reveals itself as a truly fantastic read. The way C.L. Wilson has developed Rain and Ellysetta, particularly Ellysetta, is stunning. She goes from a shy, reserved woodcarver’s daughter, careful not to overstep or harm anyone, to this fierce, powerful Fey Queen. Her transformation throughout the series is incredible, and I’ll admit, I didn’t care much for her at first. But as she evolves, I’ve come to appreciate her strength truly.
Rain’s evolution is equally compelling. He transforms from a devastated, broken-hearted king into a ruler who has earned the love and loyalty of his people. His gentleness and devotion toward Ellysetta deepen as he becomes both her protector and partner, deadly to those who threaten her. Seeing both of them grow, not just individually but as a couple, makes the journey through these books entirely worth it.
While the world-building isn’t as intense in this installment as in the previous books, Wilson still does an excellent job crafting the setting. Her descriptions continue to immerse us in the world Ellysetta and Rain inhabit, adding depth to their journey. I can’t wait to see where the story heads next, so I’ll see you all in the comments as I jump into the next book!
In Queen of Song and Souls, I feel it’s essential to warn readers about some heavy content. This book contains detailed scenes of rape, abuse, enslavement, and murder meant to showcase the depths of the mages' evil. For readers who may find these topics too intense, it might be best to skip this one, as they are present throughout the story. However, if you’re able to handle these subjects, give it a try with caution, knowing these darker themes recur in the series.
Spoiler Alert: One disappointment I had with this installment was the minimal story development for Lillis and Lorelle. They’re two of my favorite characters, and I’d hoped for more focus on them here. Sadly, their appearances are brief and lack the detail I was looking for. On a brighter note, Bel and Galen bring their usual humor, especially in a great scene where Galen trains with another Fey, Tajik. Their banter and playful insults add levity to the intensity of the story, and Galen’s expanded role in this book is a highlight for me. He’s always been one of my top characters alongside Bel, so seeing more of him was a treat.
The book starts with a powerful scene of Ellysetta attempting to heal a critically injured child. She uses Galen’s magic, woven into her own, to avoid the mage mark, which adds a high-stakes layer to her power. This moment shows the real danger in Ellysetta’s magic—if she loses focus, she risks not just her own soul but the lives of the 300 Fey and Rain with her. By the end, the deaths of Adriel and Sariel left me wondering if this could foreshadow Rain and Ellysetta’s fate. With that in mind, I’m excited to dive into Crown of Crystal Flame and see where this journey takes us!
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