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The Last Of The Fire Lilies
The Last of the Fire LiliesFirst Tale of A Lullaby in the Rain
In the endless rain, the old songs stir once more.
At just six years old, Aelayas Argale is named heir to the throne of Thravaena, as shadows deepen over the royal house. But how can a boy rule a kingdom adrift?
Luchina, a woman cast out from her right to the throne because she was born a woman, hides her lingering desires behind the mask of motherhood. Have they truly died, or merely been buried?
Monnard, the king’s second son, unearths a secret that shatters his world and vanishes into the mists of rebellion, forsaking his birthright to chase the spectre of justice.
Mirovič, Commander of Barrahann Bridge, struggles to restore the stronghold that watches over the great canal, fighting to revive the fortunes of a crumbling realm.
Reynard Wendter, youngest scion of a powerful house, refuses to be a pawn in another man’s legacy, determined to carve his own fate in a world that would see him shackled to another’s will.
And Milaena, Aelayas’s sister, must find the strength to survive in a court where a woman’s will is a blade easily dulled.
While petty squabbles burn out and a forgotten flame dies, an age-old threat stirs.
The Quirnes have returned.
At just six years old, Aelayas Argale is named heir to the throne of Thravaena, as shadows deepen over the royal house. But how can a boy rule a kingdom adrift?
Luchina, a woman cast out from her right to the throne because she was born a woman, hides her lingering desires behind the mask of motherhood. Have they truly died, or merely been buried?
Monnard, the king’s second son, unearths a secret that shatters his world and vanishes into the mists of rebellion, forsaking his birthright to chase the spectre of justice.
Mirovič, Commander of Barrahann Bridge, struggles to restore the stronghold that watches over the great canal, fighting to revive the fortunes of a crumbling realm.
Reynard Wendter, youngest scion of a powerful house, refuses to be a pawn in another man’s legacy, determined to carve his own fate in a world that would see him shackled to another’s will.
And Milaena, Aelayas’s sister, must find the strength to survive in a court where a woman’s will is a blade easily dulled.
While petty squabbles burn out and a forgotten flame dies, an age-old threat stirs.
The Quirnes have returned.
510 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2025
3 people want to read
About the author
M.A.R. Pereira
1 book3 followersM.A.R. Pereira loves a good story told by real people whom the reader can relate to. He’s an author who doesn’t believe in invincible heroes and heroines, or in magic that defeats armies single handedly. In fact, he doesn’t believe in black and white reality at all. With a background in literature and narrative craft, he strives to avoid common pitfalls and steer clear of familiar tropes.
Literature is not for escapism, he believes--it is meant to sharpen the mind, deepen understanding, and provoke questions.
Guided by an innate gift for storytelling, he brings a vivid imagination and sharp narrative instinct to the world of fantasy fiction. Also a freelance editor and a poet for young readers, his work is known for its lyrical prose, immersive worlds, and enduring sense of curiosity. Whether writing for children or crafting sweeping epics, Pereira invites readers into stories shaped by a deep love of language, literature, realism, and the unknown.
Literature is not for escapism, he believes--it is meant to sharpen the mind, deepen understanding, and provoke questions.
Guided by an innate gift for storytelling, he brings a vivid imagination and sharp narrative instinct to the world of fantasy fiction. Also a freelance editor and a poet for young readers, his work is known for its lyrical prose, immersive worlds, and enduring sense of curiosity. Whether writing for children or crafting sweeping epics, Pereira invites readers into stories shaped by a deep love of language, literature, realism, and the unknown.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 14, 2025
This was a good book but a serious read. If you aren't paying attention, you'll easily get lost amid this super slow burn. The prose was exceptional, though occasionally leaning too close to purple. I liked the attention to action, limited as it was. Many fight scenes simply faded to black. I enjoy a great action scene and felt denied several times.
The characters were also a strength; they must be with so little action. The best characters were Monnard, Mirovic, and Luchina. Mirovic's interactions with Zana were my favorite parts of the book. I didn't see the point in Milaena, beyond over hearing one conversation and her portion of the climax. I don't think she was needed as a POV. Aelayas had the potential to be the best POV character but was used to seldomly. A young king's thoughts would have been a very divergent view.
My minimal problems with the story will be overlooked by many. First, the names. They are far too exotic. I know this is "fantasy," but several of them I gave up trying to pronounce. This was more for all the kingdoms and countries mentioned than for characters. I stopped trying to keep sense of them all. It's probably why the author added a key at the end of the book.
I also grabbed this book because of my love of fantasy. Was this fantasy? Really? It read more like historical fiction with Westria used in lieu of France (or some other European country). There aren't any dragons or beasts. There isn't any magic. The one god never presents himself. All of this could happen in the real world. Is all it takes to label something as fantasy are some weird names for countries to show it isn't Earth? Don't get me wrong. This doesn't make the book bad. It's akin to taking a bite of something you expect to be warm and tasting cold instead (I'm looking at you, gazpacho). The closest this book gets to being true fantasy is the mystery of the 14th Gate, which plays a super small role, more as an afterthought.
In the end, I enjoyed the book. I'm not certain I'll continue reading the series, but I haven't ruled it out either. I recommend it to people who enjoy political backstabbing with swords as well as words.
The characters were also a strength; they must be with so little action. The best characters were Monnard, Mirovic, and Luchina. Mirovic's interactions with Zana were my favorite parts of the book. I didn't see the point in Milaena, beyond over hearing one conversation and her portion of the climax. I don't think she was needed as a POV. Aelayas had the potential to be the best POV character but was used to seldomly. A young king's thoughts would have been a very divergent view.
My minimal problems with the story will be overlooked by many. First, the names. They are far too exotic. I know this is "fantasy," but several of them I gave up trying to pronounce. This was more for all the kingdoms and countries mentioned than for characters. I stopped trying to keep sense of them all. It's probably why the author added a key at the end of the book.
I also grabbed this book because of my love of fantasy. Was this fantasy? Really? It read more like historical fiction with Westria used in lieu of France (or some other European country). There aren't any dragons or beasts. There isn't any magic. The one god never presents himself. All of this could happen in the real world. Is all it takes to label something as fantasy are some weird names for countries to show it isn't Earth? Don't get me wrong. This doesn't make the book bad. It's akin to taking a bite of something you expect to be warm and tasting cold instead (I'm looking at you, gazpacho). The closest this book gets to being true fantasy is the mystery of the 14th Gate, which plays a super small role, more as an afterthought.
In the end, I enjoyed the book. I'm not certain I'll continue reading the series, but I haven't ruled it out either. I recommend it to people who enjoy political backstabbing with swords as well as words.
August 30, 2025
The Last of the Fire Lilies was a pleasant surprise because of its poetic prose and focus on political intrigue. From the epigraph mentioning a world devoid of morals, I knew I’d enjoy this story. It has a Game of Thrones flavor due to its fictional time period, the machinations of coveting a throne when a young child is named heir, and the issue of trust.
The characters are diverse. There is a lot of intrigue as the characters, along with the reader, attempt to determine who to trust. The story switches between multiple POVs.
This book features an excellent map, which I referred to frequently.
The book is beautifully written (...holding her like silk), and takes its time. Some scenes are raw with heartbreaking prose (Luchina in prison), which can be hard to read in places. If you prefer a slower pace that allows you to invest in the story and characters, you will enjoy this one.
The world building in Thraevaena is excellent. The descriptive writing is amazing. I loved the details. (Curling hair with hot nails was a first.) The author excels at drawing the reader in. Some of the unique names gave me pause over pronunciations.
If you enjoy fiction with swords and shields, court intrigue, and rich world-building that doesn’t rush, then you will love this story! There are hints of more fantastical elements to come, so I look forward to the next installment. I give this one Five Stars because of the prose. It is beautifully written, richly poetic, and the world creation is so well done.
The characters are diverse. There is a lot of intrigue as the characters, along with the reader, attempt to determine who to trust. The story switches between multiple POVs.
This book features an excellent map, which I referred to frequently.
The book is beautifully written (...holding her like silk), and takes its time. Some scenes are raw with heartbreaking prose (Luchina in prison), which can be hard to read in places. If you prefer a slower pace that allows you to invest in the story and characters, you will enjoy this one.
The world building in Thraevaena is excellent. The descriptive writing is amazing. I loved the details. (Curling hair with hot nails was a first.) The author excels at drawing the reader in. Some of the unique names gave me pause over pronunciations.
If you enjoy fiction with swords and shields, court intrigue, and rich world-building that doesn’t rush, then you will love this story! There are hints of more fantastical elements to come, so I look forward to the next installment. I give this one Five Stars because of the prose. It is beautifully written, richly poetic, and the world creation is so well done.
June 18, 2025
4.5 rating
Dark Fantasy intrigue
The Last of the Fire Lilies is a character-driven, mediaeval fantasy set on Thraevaena. With creative world-building and compelling characters, M.A.R. Peireira has skilfully crafted an environment of intricate plots and political intrigue. Written in a lyrical slow-burn style, the shifting POVs allow readers to immerse themselves fully in the characters; however, the rhythm is occasionally interrupted by a sense of being drawn out and over-complicated, and some similarities in names are confusing at times: Bennard and Grennard, Meynard, Reynard and Renald.
That said, no one can fault the author’s ability to draw the reader into this mediaeval world of court drama, dark intrigue, betrayal and layered characters with such depth and eloquence.
I would recommend this book to all fans of dark epic fantasy.
Dark Fantasy intrigue
The Last of the Fire Lilies is a character-driven, mediaeval fantasy set on Thraevaena. With creative world-building and compelling characters, M.A.R. Peireira has skilfully crafted an environment of intricate plots and political intrigue. Written in a lyrical slow-burn style, the shifting POVs allow readers to immerse themselves fully in the characters; however, the rhythm is occasionally interrupted by a sense of being drawn out and over-complicated, and some similarities in names are confusing at times: Bennard and Grennard, Meynard, Reynard and Renald.
That said, no one can fault the author’s ability to draw the reader into this mediaeval world of court drama, dark intrigue, betrayal and layered characters with such depth and eloquence.
I would recommend this book to all fans of dark epic fantasy.
July 22, 2025
Rich with cultural depth and political nuance, this is a fantasy saga that refuses to rush.
The writing is vivid and dark, reminiscent of The Accursed Kings or Game of Thrones. There is almost no magic. Instead, the story weaves an intricate web of betrayal, power struggles, and forbidden love – but it’s the world itself, with its layered history, complex culture, and extensive cast of characters, that truly keeps you immersed.
It’s a slow-paced narrative, centered on courtly maneuverings and introspective reflection, with little action. You must navigate a labyrinth of intrigue that begins with four characters — none of them entirely good or evil – four distinct points of view focused on nuanced interactions, deep emotions, and philosophical musings. All these threads gradually converge in a unified conclusion.
This book is not an easy read. Most of the time, it feels like playing chess – and if you don’t like chess, you probably won’t enjoy this novel.
The writing is vivid and dark, reminiscent of The Accursed Kings or Game of Thrones. There is almost no magic. Instead, the story weaves an intricate web of betrayal, power struggles, and forbidden love – but it’s the world itself, with its layered history, complex culture, and extensive cast of characters, that truly keeps you immersed.
It’s a slow-paced narrative, centered on courtly maneuverings and introspective reflection, with little action. You must navigate a labyrinth of intrigue that begins with four characters — none of them entirely good or evil – four distinct points of view focused on nuanced interactions, deep emotions, and philosophical musings. All these threads gradually converge in a unified conclusion.
This book is not an easy read. Most of the time, it feels like playing chess – and if you don’t like chess, you probably won’t enjoy this novel.
June 14, 2025
In the kingdom of Thravaena, the royal house is in turmoil. A child is heir to the throne. Corruption is running rampant. Rebellion is coming. Through the betrayals and threats rise heroes of common and noble blood to make right the wrongs of a nation.
This was a fascinating medieval tale. I loved the detail to the scenery and environment; I could easily picture it. I also appreciated that each chapter was told in a different POV, so we get a wide view as to what’s going on. Kudos to Mr. Pereira for properly breaking up the POVs in separate chapters. Head-hopping is a pep peeve of mine, so I was relieved to finally read a fantasy book that didn’t have it.
Even though epic fantasy isn’t my usual genre, I enjoyed it and would like to read more from Mr. Pereira.
4 Stars
This was a fascinating medieval tale. I loved the detail to the scenery and environment; I could easily picture it. I also appreciated that each chapter was told in a different POV, so we get a wide view as to what’s going on. Kudos to Mr. Pereira for properly breaking up the POVs in separate chapters. Head-hopping is a pep peeve of mine, so I was relieved to finally read a fantasy book that didn’t have it.
Even though epic fantasy isn’t my usual genre, I enjoyed it and would like to read more from Mr. Pereira.
4 Stars
July 10, 2025
In this character-driven fantasy, M.A.R. Pereira does an exceptional job of world-building. The names and places he creates evoke a sense of culture and historical fiction (even though this is epic fantasy), which adds to the novel's atmosphere. As with many great fantasy novels, the reader needs to commit because it's not a quick read; however, the writing is excellent, and the story is compelling. It has a blend of political intrigue, supernatural elements, family drama, betrayal, revenge, and memorable characters, particularly the strong female leads. If you enjoy epic fantasy that feels a bit like historical fantasy due to its outstanding world-building, you'll enjoy 'The Last of the Fire Lilies'.
July 10, 2025
M.A.R. Pereira's 'The Last of the Fire Lilies' is a captivating start to 'A Lullaby in the Rain' series, offering a rich dive into a world brimming with magic and mystery. The author's lyrical prose truly shines, crafting an immersive experience that pulls you deep into its imaginative realms. The intricate plotting keeps you guessing, and the included map and glossary are wonderful aids for navigating this new fantasy landscape. While some pacing felt a bit deliberate in places, the overall journey is incredibly rewarding and leaves you eager for the next tale. A solid read for any fantasy enthusiast!
August 11, 2025
Last of the fire liliesI was swept into the crumbling kingdom of Thravaena from the very first chapter. I found myself lost in a world so lush and layered, navigating political intrigue, family betrayals, and a romance that smoldered beneath the surface. I connected with nearly every character—fierce Luchina became my hero, while calculating Monnard adds depth. I couldn't put it down as I followed the threads of court politics, and mystery, and the 'forgotten flame' story line haunted me with its sense of destiny. This is the kind of epic fantasy that will linger in my mind long after I close the book.
June 30, 2025
The book unfolds as a richly imagined fantasy, driven by complex characters and a slow-burning narrative that rewards a patient read. The alternating perspectives are thoughtfully handled, allowing each voice to develop—Luchina and Mirovič were particularly compelling. The world feels authentic and lived-in, and the courtly intrigue is both tense and captivating. While some of the similar names were a bit tricky to track at first, the emotional depth kept me invested. A strong choice for readers who appreciate character-driven epic fantasy filled with politics, betrayal, and quiet intensity.
September 22, 2025
This book completely drew me into its world. The mix of political intrigue, forbidden love, and beautifully crafted prose makes it stand out from other fantasy stories I’ve read. The characters feel layered and real, and the writing has a poetic rhythm that lingers even after you stop reading. If you enjoy immersive world-building and stories that balance heart with betrayal, this is definitely worth picking up.
July 10, 2025
haunting, lyrical, unforgettable
The Last Of The Fire Lilies weaves, forbidden love, political, intrigue, and poetic prose into a breathtaking epic. The characters are torn and flawed while the world is dark and lush. A gripping start to a saga where every heart beats with danger and desire.
The Last Of The Fire Lilies weaves, forbidden love, political, intrigue, and poetic prose into a breathtaking epic. The characters are torn and flawed while the world is dark and lush. A gripping start to a saga where every heart beats with danger and desire.
July 8, 2025
I loved this book – it’s a slow-burn with a dark edge, and lots of fantasy that pulls you into another world. The characters are strong and are all heroes in their own rights – I especially liked Luchina for her quiet strength and defiance. Well written and almost lyrical. Highly recommended
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews