The Last of the Fire Lilies

A Lullaby in the Rain #1

by M.A.R. Pereira

A throne built on a lie. A child who must never know the truth.
Thravaena has always known who its kings are. The bloodline of Aaghra has ruled for a thousand years, and the realm has built its certainty on that continuity the way a man builds a house on rock.
The rock is a lie.
A necessary lie; a bedtime tale woven by mothers to lull their children to sleep.
Men of power created it. Men of conviction protected it. And when the ones who told the truth were cast out into the dark, the lie became the ground beneath your so old, so deep that no one living remembers the world it replaced.
But the truth does not require memory. It requires only time. Some truths, when they finally surface, do not set you free.
They burn everything.
The Last of the Fire Lilies is epic/mythological fantasy in which the deepest wars are fought between what we were told the world is, and what it truly is.

1072 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2026

About the author

M.A.R. Pereira is a writer drawn to the complexities of the human condition and the ways moral conviction shapes decision and consequence. His work rejects simple divisions between good and evil, focusing instead on the narrow space in which men and women act through incomplete knowledge, belief, and deception.
In addition to writing fiction, he enjoys composing poetry and spending time with his Labrador, Darry.

Reviews

[mo • lesmotsdemo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was definitely a more character-focused fantasy. The author took time to develop the large cast of characters and their own personalities but also their relationship dynamics (familial or else). There were multiple points of view in this story which expanded the universe a little bit and made us discover more parts of it. Also, most of the characters were involved in court life and its politics, which could be quite intricate. The characters were all morally ambiguous and thirsty for power. However, some of the characters had very similar names and it was sometimes a bit tough to remember who was who. Also, there wasn’t a big plot of any sorts, other than following the court politics. No action-packed moments, no particularly high stakes for most of the book. It was slow-moving all the way through, but it was still very easy to read with an accessible writing (even though there were some repetitions in the writing that became quite irritating to read). I also had a little issue with the numerous sexual scenes throughout the book, I’m still questioning their usefulness to the plot. I also wished we had a little bit more of the universe, compared to the author’s dedication to the characters it felt a bit under-developed. In a way, there was more work and depth on the history and the characters building this history than the world that history takes place in, if that makes sense. I would still recommend this book if you’re looking for a slow-paced fantasy focused on the characters and their court’s politics.

Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Alieke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not going to lie, this took me a long time to finish. It's been a while since I needed more than a month to read a book while actually actively reading in it every day.

I think the main "problem" for me was the phrasing and the pacing. It was slow y'all. And where I'm more of a fast-paced fantasy/romantasy girlie, this took me a minute to get used to.

However, once you're invested in the story (which for me unfortunately was only at the 55%-mark but okay), it's hard to put down or to stop thinking about it.

I hated and loved every character equally, but I think Monard was my favourite from the start. Don't know why, I just got a soft spot for him when he tried to help the stable hands and it didn't go away. And I got SO invested when injustice was done to him that I had to put the book away at times. Also Asyrek really got me somehow?

The intrigue and ties of all the characters was so good to see come together (although I did have to look up who was who a couple of times because the names were too hard imho).

If you're looking for a slow fantasy with a lot of political intrigue, world-building, history and epic battles, this is it.

[Cher Van Der Woude · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review — The Last of the Fire Lilies
3.75 stars ⭐
The Last of the Fire Lilies (Book One of A Lullaby in the Rain) by M.A.R. Pereira is the start of what’s clearly shaping up to be a true epic fantasy series.

I’ll be honest, it took me a long time to get into this one (around the 50% mark), but once it clicked, I really started to enjoy it. The beginning was a bit challenging, especially with so many characters and several similar names to keep track of. But the world itself is fascinating: a kingdom built on a beautifully maintained lie, slowly unraveling piece by piece.

The pacing is definitely on the slower side, but it feels intentional. There’s a lot of worldbuilding, a lot of thought behind the lore, and you can tell the author put real care into crafting every layer. Some readers will love that depth, others might struggle with it, I fell somewhere in the middle.

What I did love were the multiple POVs. Each character felt distinct, grounded, and very real. The family betrayal, the scheming, and the anticipation surrounding the forgotten flame kept me turning the pages. My favourite perspectives were definitely Luchina, Monnard, and Reynard, they added so much richness to the story.

Overall, it was a good read. I do wish the pacing had been a bit faster, but the world, characters, and tension made it worth it.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Chainlight Press for this ARC.

[Dan Uselton · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book.

It’s been a while since I’ve read something so rich and deeply layered. This was very character driven with multiple POVs & many, many characters, with relationships that I struggled to keep track of at first. Once I figured out who was who and what their relationships were, it all clicked. I love books with a lot of characters because you get to see so many sides to a story.

I honestly was never bored reading this because I enjoy world building, lore, and court politics. I love complex characters and seeing what decisions they make as the plot advances and we learn more about them. I liked the lore and the effort that was put into this story and these characters. I feel like now that I know everything that’s transpired, I’m curious to see where this will go next!

This would have been rated higher if not for the treatment of some of the women. I understand it’s taking place in a fictional 1109, but some scenes left a bitter taste in my mouth.

That being said, I enjoyed the overall plot, familial tensions, and rich characters and world! I felt like I was watching a whole movie play out in front of me. I’m a huge fan of politics in fantasy so this really hit the mark for me!

[Cyd’s Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 3.25 stars.

I enjoyed the character driven plot, the multi POV is perfect for me, the characters are quite fleshed out in this story. The only downside is that there were a lot of characters to keep up with in my opinion so at points due to similar names I lost where I was at a couple times.

The politics and court life made the story quite detailed and the world building was just as intricate. At points the pacing felt a little slow, but I think this is so the details can really settle into your brain. There’s scheming and betrayal throughout, and I was quite surprised by the level of intimacy/sex included in the story. I think the depth of this plot and it’s characters make this a worthy read for any fantasy lovers.

[Amber Graves · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a dense, character-driven novel with an impressive amount of characters and political intrigue. It reminded me of Game of Thrones, with complex relationships and unclear motivations. The author clearly put a lot of care into developing the cast, and that attention to detail really shows.

It took me a while to get fully invested, as the first half focuses heavily on introducing the world and its many players. However, once the story found its footing, the action picked up and the plot became more engaging.

I'm intrigued to see where the series goes next. I'm hoping the next book builds on these established characters while expanding the world even further, especially when it comes to the magic and action. If you enjoy intricate political dynamics, rich character development, and stories that take their time laying the groundwork, this is definitely a book worth checking out.

[Despina Kekezidou · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Last of the Fire Lilies was a beautiful and emotional read, with a strong focus on character development and relationships. The author spends a lot of time building the characters, their personalities, and the connections between them, which made it easy to become invested in their journeys.

That said, I found the beginning a bit confusing. There were many names introduced early on, and the narrative style felt somewhat chaotic at first, making it difficult to keep track of everyone and fully understand how the story was unfolding.

Once I got past that initial confusion, however, the story became much easier to follow and far more engaging. While it’s not a plot-driven book, its strength lies in its characters and the emotions they evoke.

Overall, it’s a compelling read with well-developed characters, though the beginning may require some patience before everything starts to come together. 📚✨

[April Jones-Pack · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I'm getting more into fantasy/mythological fantasy books I really loved this book. It's brilliantly written. The concept of eternity becoming life feels so fresh and it reminded me of Eastern mythology. I like how individual decisions shape the characters fates and outcome, especially Luchina and Mirovič. I feel for Ellianne and also for Monnard (and for Eynnard in a very odd way like he deserved more). I'm not going to write much more detail but I rate this book 5 star as well. Again I really enjoyed it.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the fractured kingdom of Thravaena — young heir Aelayas, ex‑princess Luchina, rebel Monnard, and others weave a tense multi‑POV story of court intrigue, hidden truths, and an old legend waking up. A throne built on lies, shifting loyalties, and a forgotten “fire‑lily” flame holding the realm’s fate.

Rich world‑building, poetic prose, layered characters, slow‑burn mystery, deep themes of power & truth.
Many viewpoints & terms to follow; measured pace — not fast‑paced; needs focus to piece clues together

Atmospheric, thoughtful epic fantasy — ideal if you like Game of Thrones‑style politics + lyrical, myth‑heavy storytelling

[Katya & the Braincells Inc. · Rating 5 out of 5]

OVERALL RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐🍪
3.5 stars and 1 cookie!

Thank you for the ARC and sincerest apologies to the author for how overdue this review is. It took me weeks to finish because The Last of the Fire Lilies is over one thousand pages long, which is frankly a magnificent and slightly terrifying thing to place in front of a casual fantasy enjoyer like me.

Spoiler-free review: First of all, I think I need to mention that the e-book cover and its ultra-vague synopsis don't do the actual content justice at all. This is a book that tells about royals circling a fragile throne, ambitious schemers with their own plans, old wars lingering in the background, and even a little sea adventure woven through the larger political mess. It honestly reminded me of the first time I read the first novel in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, complete with that initial "head-scratching confusion" that I rarely experience with modern fantasy nowadays.

The central premise begins when King Nyedraan is found dying, leaving the throne to his young and named heir, Aelayas IV. Aelayas seems kind-hearted, but he is also clearly too young to rule without becoming a pawn for the adults around him. Thus, we are introduced to several possible players in the power struggle:
- Prince Monard, the second son, who seems far more interested in an ordinary life than a royal one
- Princess Milaena, the only daughter, who is a romance-head and initially comes across as spoiled but quickly proves she has a spine
- Reynard, the scheming uncle with a suspiciously on-the-nose name, who accompanies Prince Eynard, his nephew and another contender (the first son) connected to that side of the family
- Asyrek, a former Silent Knight who has fallen far from his old glory
- Prince Mirovek, whose chapters bring in the seafaring side of the world.
(Note that these aren't inherently correct descriptions but from my interpretation of their characters!)

And thus, what follows is a multi-POV, slow-burn court drama epic.

The writing itself was one of the strongest parts for me. Pereira has a real gift for atmosphere, especially when describing landscapes, palaces, and the texture of the different settings. I could see the influences of real-world cultures in the naming conventions and settings, with elements that felt Welsh-inspired, Scandinavian-inspired, and South Asian-inspired, among others (if my guess is correct, that is). It is clear that this world has been built with care, down to the roots of its language and geography. And to me it's so refreshing because, unlike other fantasy novels that just throw random syllables together, you can tell the names here suggest that they have their own distinct in-world etymologies.

I've already mentioned a lot of names, and they're not even ALL of the POVs. I have not even mentioned Queen Luchina, the king's sister, who is called both the "B*tch Queen" and the Warrior Queen. Naturally, I was fascinated by her.
Milaena specifically became one of my favorite characters especially once her early bratty impression gave way to her determination and pride. Her line, "I am no lady. I am your princess," tells you almost everything you need to know about why I enjoyed her chapters.
Reynard was another pleasant surprise. He could have easily remained a flat, mustache-twirling court villain, but his softer relationship with Vynra gives him more dimension than I expected. I always appreciate a suspicious man who has one person capable of making him act like he has a heart tucked somewhere beneath all the plotting.

However, note that the book takes a long time to become a story rather than a setup. I understand that epic fantasy needs room to breathe, especially when it has a cast this large and a world this layered. Around 30% of the novel felt like an extended prologue. By the 27% mark King Nyedraan was technically still alive, though barely, and I was still trying to identify the central conflict. My ARC copy had nearly 100 highlights within the first ten chapters alone because I was constantly trying to keep track of names, places, historical figures, and political connections.
I think I see why others struggled a bit at first--I could barely tell you what the overarching plot was initially, other than Reynard's chapters. I'll admit I'm easily overwhelmed, and here I was very much knee-buckling from so much in-world lore (i.e., King Aaghra, and Argayas the Bloody Argale, and a lot more). Either way, once the characters settled into place in my head (plus with some help from Ctrl+F'ing names haha), the world opened up beautifully, though getting there required patience.

Still, I want to be clear that I do not see the slow beginning as a failure. This is very obviously the opening movement of a much larger saga so I can understand why Pereira chose to build the foundations so thoroughly. Every fantasy series has to begin somewhere, and this one begins with a kingdom full of old wounds, contested loyalties, and enough royal drama to keep an entire court whispering behind closed doors.

Ultimately, this was a 3.5-star read for me, yet I am adding an honorary cookie because I genuinely liked the ambition behind it. Readers who love that slow immersion, particularly if they enjoy fantasy that treats a fictional history as part of the plot, will feel right at home here. This is very much a character-driven novel, relying heavily on its massive cast to pull you into the world, so if you're looking for fast-paced action, you won't find a lot of it here--but if you want deep, flawed people to root for (or judge), you're in for a treat.

(Also just to note, there are explicit scenes involving battle and sex, so this is definitely not a fantasy novel for younger readers.)

I also would love to revisit this someday with a physical copy in the rare chance I ever find it in the wild because this feels like the kind of fantasy novel that benefits from being held, bookmarked, reread, and slowly mapped out across a table. That is one of the greatest compliments I can give a book in this genre.

Overall--I'd say this is a wonderful and daring debut. With *that* ending, I'm so curious what else M.A.R. Pereira has in store!

I received a free copy from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Sage Reedfields · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Tasadar · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kespe Athar · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Last of the Fire Lilies
M.A.R Pereira
ARC read via NetGalley

Here were some of my thoughts as I was reading.

-This is how you write a royal court setting. I really appreciate how consistent the word choice and tone is. Beautiful writing. It is quite prosy, but I’m not getting lost in it.
-It is DENSE. Many characters are cooking in the kitchen. Which is not a problem, readers just need to be prepared and I was not.
-I would like it to be more clear who our main characters are in the beginning of the book. Who do we need to root for and why? The readers need to be able to connect with the characters sooner.
-There are SO many POVs. I have conflicting feelings about it.
-The dialogue is excellent. Really shows relationships between the characters.
-Messy messy royal family, love it.
-After reading more, the prosy description is bordering too much in the sense that I feel like it is holding the plot back.
-It is slow paced, but in a way that feels intentional. Some people might love it, some people might hate it.
-It is centered on court politics where the characters' introspections shine. With little to no action, it is important that the readers are aware of that.
-It’s one of those worlds where the author drops you into it immediately and hopes you hang on for the ride. This can work, but I’m not convinced it worked in this instance.
-I kept waiting for the high stakes to appear, only to be disappointed.
-I genuinely think that the character relationships are interesting, I just wish the plot did them justice.
-All of this being said, you can tell M.A.R. Pereira was dedicated to telling the characters' stories. I can not imagine the time and work it took to record their lives down to the smallest detail.

Spoilers!!!
-Listen. I am not one to shy away from spice scenes. But I do wish that they make sense when we get them. The first scene is supposed to be showing passion between Luchina and Aenald, but I just feel like there could have been a better way to do so without jumping right in. Because it does quite a good job showing their dedication for each other afterwards. I don’t know, maybe I’m just reading too much into it. I think personally, I like to know who the characters are and the implications of their relationships before reading a sex scene.
-I do like how we see the royalty’s view on the treasure hunters after we just had a chapter where we see how dire the situation is. It just took a little too long to get there.
-The first scene with Milaena and the Silent Knight, Sven, works well because we got the tension beforehand.
-I am aware that the main characters are supposed to be morally ambiguous, but that kind of falls flat if the readers can’t emotionally connect with them in the beginning. It is possible for characters to be grey and still have readers connect with them. As you read, you can eventually get there, but it takes too long in my opinion.

[Elly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, I didn't finish this book, I got to 225 pages in, so consider this a review for the first quarter.

Bluntly, it was dull. The prose was convoluted and overly descriptive. There were so many new characters (with stupidly similar, made-up names) and places and motivations introduced in such a quick succession that it felt impossible to know what was going on, or what was important and what wasn’t, and I ended up not caring about any of the characters, rather than rooting for some of them. There was work in this book, I didn’t love it. There was also an entirely new hierarchy system, but there was no character for whom it was new, so you, as the reader, had to pick it up as you go along (which felt confusing and honestly - more work than I was prepared to commit to).

A lot of the time, as I was reading I wondered why it was important (or why I should care?) I didn’t care about the characters or their need to chat, ad naseum, who killed the king, or why we were being given such a (not every interesting) history as each minor character had a line. The pace was slow, there wasn’t a lot of plot, or any tension, and the first 225 pages felt incredibly dull. Even the king dying was anticlimactic. There was no change of pace, no tension, no push or pull of conflict that pulled the reader along. 

It just felt like there were so many scenes that didn’t add anything, and the ones that felt like they should have been important were given the same treatment as the unimportant ones. Example, the scene where the king died felt as significant as the one where his son admiring spent all the time admiring view on a hill, and the history the view reminded him of.

There was also a stupid amount of sex that didn’t add anything. Not the relationships, plot, character development… it was just gratuitous sex. If it’s not moving things along or adding depth or tension, why are we reading it? Or, if its purpose is to provide some form of entertainment, why isn’t there significantly more of it?



I really tried, but I didn’t have faith that anything was going to change after the first two hundred pages, and wanted to stop reading. I was skimming in the hope I’d land on something that would pull it all together but honestly, I didn’t think it would. This is a SLOW book, I feel like it was destined to be slow all the way through.

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last of the Fire Lilies is a stunning debut that wrapped itself around my mind and refused to let go.

This is the kind of epic mythological fantasy that feels ancient and urgent at the same time, like a forgotten legend that’s suddenly been whispered directly into your ear.

The story centers on a kingdom whose entire foundation rests on a beautifully maintained lie…..

The bloodline of Aaghra has ruled Thravaena for a thousand years, and that continuity is treated as unshakeable bedrock. But as the story unfolds, you slowly realize that the rock beneath everyone’s feet is sand.

This revelation was written with such patience that every new layer of truth feels both inevitable and devastating. The tension comes not from battles (though those exist), but from the growing fracture between what people have been told the world is and what it actually is.

I was especially impressed by how the book treats myth and memory. The lie isn’t portrayed as simple villainy, it was necessary, protective, even comforting. Watching characters confront the cost of that comfort is heartbreaking and exhilarating. The world feels lived in, with a deep sense of history that makes every political move and personal decision carry centuries of consequence. The magic (not as much as I thought there might be,) and lore woven throughout felt right, and the mythological elements have real teeth.

There are moments of raw beauty alongside unflinching looks at power, legacy, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.

If I have one small critique, it’s that the pacing in the early sections is deliberately measured as the world and its illusions are established.

It is slow, it is methodical, and I did put it down and come back to it several times, but I’m glad I stuck with it.

This is the first book in the A Lullaby in the Rain series, and it does what every great opening should, it leaves you both satisfied and ravenous for what comes next.

The stage is set for a conflict that feels genuinely epic, not just in scale, but in its philosophical and emotional weight.

If you crave fantasy that asks big questions about truth, power, and the stories that shape civilizations, The Last of the Fire Lilies delivers in spades.

I’m already counting the days until book two. 🔥

🦋

[Phillip Murrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 || adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

And what worth lies in a paper two fools scrawl their names across? God made us to make more: that is the very reason of man and woman. These rules we fashioned ourselves, and they serve for naught.

Having received this email was honestly one of the best invitations for the year, as it introduced me to such a rich and vast world. How I wish the cover reflected how painstakingly intricate the world built itself around its reader and how lush the world became when you finished it.

To preface, this book took me such a long time to get around to, as I couldn't really make myself focus on the first hundred or so pages. I am admittedly not well versed in this corner of high fantasy, so if you're like me and usually go for shorter reads, be prepared with a pen and paper (or at the very least a comprehensive note-writing system) before you delve into it. I'm being hyperbolic, but the truth is, this is a very long-winded story; the first third of the entire book feels like a huge prologue, just infodumping about the rest of the world. And since it's also a multi-POV book, it gets confusing at certain points (thus the note taking for me to make sense of the world lol).

However, once you're in the thick of the action, everything rolls into place quickly, and I admit I was able to devour the rest in one weekend. It brought back the excitement of reading again, however I think I'll have to pick through the book sometime within the year at a slower pace in order to mark things that I might have missed in my pursuit of it.

Big thanks to the author and publisher for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. All quotes are taken from the uncorrected proof. This does not in any shape or form influence my review on this book.

[Supriya K · Rating 5 out of 5]

💥The Last of the Fire Lilies (A Lullaby in the Rain Book 1)
M.A.R. Pereira
4.5/5

💥The Last of the Fire Lilies is an ambitious epic fantasy that completely drew me into the kingdom of Thravaena, where a thousand-year-old lie threatens to unravel everything. From the very first pages, I knew this wasn't going to be a quick read it was a story that demanded patience, and it rewarded that patience with an incredibly rich and immersive world.

What impressed me most was the cast of characters. Each one has a distinct voice and purpose, and I found myself equally invested in Aelayas, Luchina, Monnard, Mirovič, Reynard, and Milaena. Their personal struggles, ambitions, loyalties, and difficult choices made the story feel layered and emotionally engaging. No character felt unnecessary; every perspective added another piece to the larger picture.

The world-building is one of the novel's greatest strengths. The history, politics, traditions, and mythology are woven naturally into the story, making Thravaena feel like a living, breathing kingdom. Instead of relying on constant action, the novel builds tension through secrets, shifting alliances, and the gradual revelation of long-buried truths.
Despite its 800+ pages, the story never felt repetitive. Every chapter deepened my understanding of the world and its people, making the final sections especially satisfying. M.A.R. Pereira has crafted a fantasy filled with memorable characters, emotional moments, political intrigue, and a fascinating mystery at its core.

If you enjoy epic fantasy with multiple POVs, intricate world-building, compelling character arcs, and stories where every revelation changes your understanding of the world,

💥👑 If you love Game of Thrones, add this to your TBR! And I highly recommend picking up The Last of the Fire Lilies.

💥I'm excited to see where this series goes next!

💥Thank you to NetGalley and #ChainlightPress for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#TheLastoftheFireLilies #NetGalley

[The Lit · Rating 2 out of 5]

🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
​I am giving The Last of the Fire Lilies by M.A.R. Pereira a 2-star review. 🛑 DNF at 25%
​The premise was good and it got me excited, but the 20% I managed to read did not seem to deliver. Sorry, but it was just too slow for my current preferred pace of reading. I'm just not in the reading mood right now to deal with invented languages and a huge map at the beginning. It just doesn't seem to be for me right now.
​ARC Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an early digital review copy (eARC). All thoughts and reflections shared here are entirely my own.
​The Review
​The Last of the Fire Lilies is the first book in the A Lullaby in the Rain series, setting up a deeply complex, high-stakes fantasy landscape. The narrative attempts to build an entirely original world from scratch, complete with its own intricate geography, political systems, and custom linguistics. For high fantasy enthusiasts looking for immersive, slow-burn world-building, this framework lays down massive foundations right from the very first page.
​The Good
​The initial premise was genuinely good and held a lot of promise, sparking a lot of excitement before diving in. The concept of a sweeping fantasy backdrop coupled with the structural ambition of a brand-new universe shows a lot of creative potential for the overall series arc.
​The Not So Good
​Unfortunately, the heavy introductory elements made the execution a struggle for my Kindle screen. It was too slow for my current preferred pace of reading, and facing a huge map at the beginning alongside invented languages felt too overwhelming for my current mood. I'll probably give it another chance once I'm on holidays or with lots of free time, but honestly, it just doesn't seem to be for me right now.

[Annabel Pickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We prevail together, or not at all.”

An incredibly well-written, rich and sumptuous novel, The Last of the Fire Lilies is a character-focused high fantasy of epic scale. Think Game of Thrones, mixed with your favourite medieval inspired historical fiction. Kings and Queens, brutal and bloody battles for the throne, family politics, loyalty, royalty and lies.

The world building alone is incredible, and although admittedly I could have done with a character cheat sheet and a more easily accessible map, I was very quickly hooked and invested in some of the characters. The richness and quality of the writing took my breath away. Some might argue that the pacing was slow, but I really think that was done with such intention. I think for the final 20% of the novel to have the impact it did; that slow build was completely necessary. This novel is a commitment, but well worth the ride.

I think my favourites had to be Luchina and Ellianne, not only was their dynamic explosive, but I felt that the arc of their relationship was so special as the two key drivers in the politics of Thravaena. They’re both prime examples of the sacrifices that have to be made for the “greater good”.
I also loved that barely any of the main cast of characters were entirely redeemable - they all had such rich back stories, their actions and beliefs were twisted by politics and familial allegiance.

My only criticism was there wasn’t as much focus on the Reliquary of Doom and the Tourmaline Isles, the Quirnes and how the subtle magic worked in this world. Maybe I need to hold my horses for the remainder of the series - I definitely finished with more questions than answers but it left me wanting more!

The closing lines of the novel had to be one of my favourite ever finales, and just summed up the theme of the novel so perfectly. I won’t spoil it, but just stunning!

[Nicola Reynoldson (nics_timetoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all I have to thank NetGalley and the author for gifting me this read.

I really enjoyed The Last of the Fire Lilies once I understood the world. It was way out of my comfort zone and I would recommend it to any one who loves deep epic fantasy like LOTR and Game of thrones.

This is an ambitious, character-driven epic fantasy with rich mythology, intricate political intrigue, and a story that slowly peels back layers of long-buried truths.

This isn’t a light or easy read. The world-building is dense, and there’s a lot of history, lore, and political maneuvering to take in. I found it was definitely a book to savour rather than rush through, and there were a few moments where I went back to refresh my memory on certain plot details. If you’re willing to invest the time, though, the payoff is worth it.

One of the highlights for me was the cast of characters. The strong female leads were compelling, and I appreciated that the four main characters weren’t simply good or evil. Their motivations, flaws, and loyalties made them feel authentic and kept the story unpredictable. The betrayals and shifting alliances added a constant sense of tension throughout.

What stood out most was how original the story felt. The central mystery surrounding the kingdom’s history and the lies it was built upon creates an engaging foundation for what promises to be an epic tale.

Overall, The Last of the Fire Lilies is a dark, layered fantasy that rewards patient readers. If you enjoy complex world-building, morally grey characters, and political fantasy with mythological elements, this is well worth picking up.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

[Mae Camp · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Dany's Reading Pile · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
If you're ready to dive into a pure fantasy book, this is the one for you.
The world-building is absolutely incredible. Every detail is thoughtfully crafted. The multiple POVs kept the story engaging, and the character development was simply exquisite. 🤌🏽
I will say it's a slower-paced read, but that's exactly what this story needed. The author takes the time to build the world from the ground up, and that care and attention really pays off as the story unfolds.
I'm already looking forward to reading the next book, I definitely won't be missing it! 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my review.
Ps. When the next one comes, I need a reread of this one 🫣🫣.




Si estás listo para sumergirte en un libro fantasía pura, creo que este libro es para ti.
La construcción de este nuevo mundo es simplemente increíble. Cada detalle está cuidadosamente desarrollado. Además, la historia cuenta con múltiples puntos de vista (POV), algo que ame, y el desarrollo de los personajes es simplemente exquisito. 🤌🏽
Debo decir que es una lectura de ritmo lento, pero era completamente necesario. La autora se toma el tiempo para construir este mundo desde cero, y ese cuidado se nota en cada página.
Ya estoy deseando leer el siguiente libro. Definitivamente no me lo pienso perder! 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽
Gracias a NetGalley y a la editorial por proporcionarme un ejemplar digital anticipado (eARC) a cambio de mi opinión honesta.
Pd. Cuando el sig salga, tendre que darle una releida a este nuevamente🫣🫣

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

Seven-year-old Aclayas Argale inherits the throne of Thravaena after his father Nyedraan's death. But how will he rule?

His aunt, Luchina, Queen of Balverica, seizes the regency to shield him - yet her iron resolve sparks a firestorm.

Monnard, Aelayas's half-brother, uncovers the truth behind their father's death and vanishes, abandoning his birthright to forge a path of justice.

Mirovic, Luchina's son and Commander of the Barrahann Bridge - can he revive its dwindling fortunes and restore the old fortress along the famed trade route to its former glory?

Reynard Wendter is a man with ambitions, determined to carve his own path rather than serve as a puppet in his fathers shadow.

And Milaena,, Aelayas's half-sister - can her naivety withstand a world rigged against a woman's will?

While petty squabbles out a forgotten flame dies. It brings back an age-old threat.

And the Quirnes are back.

With 508 pages, this is quite a lengthy read. There's quite a lot of complex characters to remember. I never knew what was going to happen next. The pace was on the slow side. It has political intrigue, romance and family betrayals. The story is told from multiple perspectives. This is a character driven dark fantasy.

Published 20th June 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #ChainlightPress and the author #MarPereira for my ARC of #TheLastOfTheFireLilies in exchange for an honest review.

[Miranda Phillips · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and Chainlight Press, for the ARC of this book, The Last of the Fire Lilies. This was a very long and very slow read for me. In fact, I started and stopped it several times, reading other books in between before finally finishing it.

The opening had promise and introduced what seemed like an exciting premise, but the pacing quickly became a challenge. The story felt painfully slow, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged.

My biggest issue was the extensive world-building. There were so many unfamiliar character names, places, and terms that it became difficult to keep track of everything. Rather than feeling immersed in the world, I felt like I was constantly trying to decipher it. Reading this often felt like a chore rather than an escape. If I hadn't received this as an ARC, I honestly don't think I would have finished it.

I also felt the sex scenes were a bit much. The explicit scenes began very early in the book with little emotional buildup, and they didn't feel necessary to me. Instead of enhancing the story, they pulled me out of it and disrupted what little momentum the plot had.

While I can appreciate the ambition behind the story and know this style of epic fantasy will appeal to some readers, it ultimately wasn't the right fit for me.

[Kam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Last of the Fire Lilies is a strong character driven dark fantasy with excellent world-building and a court full of political intrigue. M.A.R. Pereira’s prose is often lyrical and immersive, pulling you into the kingdom of Thraevaena with lush descriptions and layered characters who genuinely feel complex. I enjoyed the shifting POVs and the slow-burn tension that builds around betrayal, loyalty, and power struggles.

The pacing is quite deliberate, sometimes to the point of feeling sluggish. and a few of the names (Bernnard, Grennard, Reynard, etc.) are a bit too similar, which made keeping track of everyone tricky at first. While the intrigue and court drama are top-notch, I also found myself wanting a bit more fantasy elements earlier on; the magic and mystery feel understated for much of the book.

Overall, this is a very well-written start to the series with rich characters and atmosphere. If you enjoy thoughtful, prose-heavy epic fantasy focused on politics and human drama more than constant action or high magic, you’ll likely appreciate it. I’m rounding down to 4 stars because of the pacing and occasional name confusion, but I’m still invested enough to pick up the next book. Solid read!

Thank you to Netgalley for the E-ARC!

[Aura C · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last of the Fire Lilies is a thoughtful, character-driven fantasy that places court politics, family loyalties, and long-buried secrets at the center of its story. M.A.R. Pereira creates a richly layered world filled with morally complex characters whose relationships often prove more compelling than the larger conflict itself.

The novel takes its time developing its cast and political landscape, making this a slower-paced read than many modern fantasy novels. Readers looking for action-heavy adventure may find the pacing deliberate, but those who enjoy intricate royal intrigue and character-focused storytelling will likely appreciate the depth and care given to the narrative.

While the large cast and multiple perspectives can occasionally feel overwhelming, they also contribute to the scope of the world and the complexity of its relationships. The prose is elegant, the atmosphere immersive, and the central mystery surrounding the kingdom’s foundations keeps the pages turning.

A strong start to a promising series that will appeal most to readers who enjoy political fantasy, layered character dynamics, and stories where secrets and ambition drive the plot more than swords and battles.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Last of the Fire Lillies is an epic fantasy with lots of characters and political intrigue.
It has very dense world-building and a constant shift in characters' POVs, so it was a bit of a struggle for me to start. The lyrical prose throughout the book was often beautiful, with rich descriptions that really helped immerse you in the world, but unfortunately, sometimes it was just too much.

The lore is well thought out and detailed; this author is very good at building this world and immersing us in its history, myths, and traditions. However, some of the characters fell flat for me, and I didn’t really care about them. I feel like early in the book, the author wanted me to care about them, and I just didn’t. Romance felt underdeveloped, and the book's pacing was just too slow for me. I often wondered if the plot was really moving at all.

I can appreciate that the author is setting up a very intricate, long epic fantasy, but unfortunately, I just don’t think it's for me. But I encourage others who love epic fantasies focusing on a vast array of characters, court politics, and intrigue to check this out, as it just might be a new favorite.

Thank you to M.A.R. Pereira and Netgalley for the ARC!

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Last of the Fire Lilies is undeniably well written, and the worldbuilding is where it shines most. The lore is incredibly detailed and layered, with rich descriptions that make the setting feel immersive and alive. Honestly, that was the main reason I kept reading.
That said, the pacing was a real challenge for me. It moved so slowly that I considered DNFing multiple times. While I appreciate a story that takes its time developing the world, this one often felt convoluted and difficult to stay engaged with. There were also so many characters introduced that it became hard to keep track of everyone and their roles in the story.
I also struggled with the romance. Compared to the care and detail devoted to the lore and worldbuilding, the relationship development felt abrupt and underdeveloped. It seemed to progress much faster than the rest of the story, making it difficult for me to connect with it.
Unless I completely missed something, I was also surprised by the lack of fantasy elements in this first installment, despite being marketed as fantasy. It felt more focused on setting the stage for what is to come than on delivering those elements up front.