Where to Start with E.J. Mellow
If you are new to the lush, imaginative worlds of E.J. Mellow, you have two primary, equally enchanting entry points depending on your preferred subgenre:
- For Dark Romantic Fantasy: Start with Song of the Forever Rains, the first book in the Mousai Series. Featuring breathtaking world-building, high-stakes court intrigue, pirate-filled seas, and fierce sisterly bonds, it is Mellow's most popular series and showcases her mature, lyrical writing style.
- For New Adult Contemporary & Dream Fantasy: Start with The Dreamer, the opening novel of the Dreamland Series. This portal-esque urban fantasy blends psychology, dreamscapes, and romance, serving as the perfect introduction to her early work.
The Mousai Series (Aadilor Trilogy)
Set in the magical Thief Kingdom of Aadilor, this dark romantic fantasy trilogy centers on the three Bassette sisters: Arabessa, Niya, and Larkyra. Together, they form the "Mousai"—a trio of hidden, powerful sorceresses who act as the deadly enforcement arm of their father, the Thief King. Each book focuses on a different sister's romance and dangerous mission, meaning they can theoretically function as standalones. However, reading them in publication order is highly recommended to appreciate the overarching political plot and the progression of the sisters' relationships.
1. Song of the Forever Rains (2021)
The series opens with the youngest sister, Larkyra, whose magical voice has the capability to kill. She is sent on a covert mission to investigate a corrupt duke who is abusing his power. Posing as a potential bride, she crosses paths with the duke's rightful heir, Lord Darius Mekenna. Together, they must navigate a web of secrets and shifting loyalties.
2. Dance of a Burning Sea (2021)
The second book shifts focus to the middle sister, Niya Bassette, known for her physical prowess and wild nature. After a mission goes awry, Niya finds herself stranded in a pirate kingdom. She is forced into an uneasy alliance with the charming but dangerous pirate captain, Alōs Enzo, leading to a high-stakes, enemies-to-lovers romance on the high seas.
3. Symphony for a Deadly Throne (2023)
The final installment focuses on the eldest sister, Arabessa, the poised leader of the Mousai. As the political tensions in Aadilor reach a boiling point, Arabessa must embark on a final, perilous mission to protect the Thief Kingdom. This book brings the trilogy's overarching narrative to a dramatic and satisfying conclusion.
The Dreamland Series
The Dreamland Series is a New Adult fantasy trilogy with a portal-fantasy twist. It follows Molly, a young woman who is struck by lightning on her twenty-fourth birthday and subsequently gains the ability to travel to a dreamworld known as Terra Somniorum. In this vibrant yet war-torn realm, she can manifest anything she desires but must learn to survive with the help of a mysterious guardian named Dev.
1. The Dreamer (2015)
Introduces Molly and her sudden connection to Terra Somniorum. As she navigates the dreamworld, she learns about its dangerous politics and falls for Dev, her protector.
2. The Dreamcatcher (2016) - Novella 1.5
This companion novella retells key events from The Dreamer through Dev's perspective, offering seven additional exclusive scenes. While some chronological lists place it third, it is best read immediately after The Dreamer to keep the events fresh in your mind.
3. The Divide (2015)
The second full-length novel increases the stakes as Molly faces the division between her waking life and the dreamworld, with dark forces threatening to tear Terra Somniorum apart.
4. The Destined (2016)
The epic conclusion to Molly and Dev's story, where they must make the ultimate sacrifice to save both the dream realm and the waking world.
The Way of Wings Duology
Inspired by the classic Icarus myth, this romantic fantasy duology is set in a divided, sky-bound world. It follows Tanwen, an outcast woman, and Zolya, a winged prince, as they navigate their society's strict boundaries and an attraction that could destroy them both.
1. Scorched Skies (2025)
The first book introduces the sky-dwelling society, establishing the heavy social divides between the winged elite and the ground-bound outcasts. Tanwen and Zolya's paths cross in a forbidden alliance that sets the stage for a grand political and romantic conflict.
2. Darkened Dawn (2026)
The concluding volume wraps up the political rebellion and the romantic destiny of Tanwen and Zolya, concluding the duology with high-stakes action and emotional resolution.
Standalone Novels
The Animal Under the Fur (2017)
For readers looking for a standalone thrill, E.J. Mellow wrote this action-heavy, hate-to-love romantic suspense novel. The story follows Nashville Brown, a deadly and physically enhanced orphan assassin who has spent her life keeping people at a distance, and Carter Smith, a charming solo operative who has closed off his heart. When a dangerous weapon threatens global security, the two lone-wolf agents are forced into a partnership where they must learn to trust each other to survive.
E.J. Mellow Complete Publication Order
If you prefer to read Mellow's entire catalog in the exact order it was released to witness her evolution as a writer, follow this list:
- The Dreamer (2015) - Dreamland Book 1
- The Divide (2015) - Dreamland Book 2
- The Dreamcatcher (2016) - Dreamland Novella 1.5
- The Destined (2016) - Dreamland Book 3
- The Animal Under the Fur (2017) - Standalone Action Romance
- Song of the Forever Rains (2021) - Mousai Book 1
- Dance of a Burning Sea (2021) - Mousai Book 2
- Symphony for a Deadly Throne (2023) - Mousai Book 3
- Scorched Skies (2025) - Way of Wings Book 1
- Darkened Dawn (2026) - Way of Wings Book 2
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into E.J. Mellow's bibliography, here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:
- Lyrical and Descriptive Prose: Mellow has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and her visual training shines through in her writing. Her descriptions of magical spells, dreamscapes, and wardrobes are highly detailed and atmospheric.
- Romance Levels: Her books feature central romantic subplots. The Dreamland series is a New Adult fantasy with moderate steam, while the Mousai series features darker, high-fantasy romance elements with moderate-to-high steam. The Animal Under the Fur is a contemporary romantic thriller.
- Crossover Potential: While her series are currently self-contained, her fantasy worlds share thematic similarities in their magic systems. However, you do not need to read one series to understand another.