The Lord of Stariel

Stariel, Book 1

By: AJ Lancaster

Narrated by: Finty Williams

The Lord of Stariel is dead. Long live the Lord of Stariel. Whoever that is.

Everyone knows who the magical estate will choose for its next ruler. Or do they? Will it be the lord’s eldest son, who he despised? His favourite nephew, with the strongest magical land-sense? His scandalous daughter, who ran away from home years ago to study illusion?

Hetta knows it won’t be her, and she’s glad of it. Returning home for her father’s funeral, all Hetta has to do is survive the family drama and avoid entanglements with irritatingly attractive local men until the Choosing. Then she can leave. But whoever Stariel chooses will have bigger problems than eccentric relatives to deal with.

Winged, beautifully deadly problems.

For the first time in centuries, the fae are returning to the Mortal Realm, and only the Lord of Stariel can keep the estate safe. In theory.

The Lord of Stariel is the first book in the Stariel quartet.

©2018 AJ Lancaster (P)2020 Podium Audio

A slow start…

The positives to this book are that it is an intellectually sound story telling. I was not beating my head against the wall yelling at an MC for being idiotic, illogical, or repetitive. However, I was expecting it to be more about the Fae and magical world-building. It wasn’t. It was more about the MC’s family and their relationships.

Regardless of the aforementioned and a slow start, I’m going to listen to the next book because even though it’s ant-climatic the characters are endearing and the book is well written.

Nice

Easy to listen to. No world turning literature, but comfortable to relax to with a cup of tea.

Refreshingly good for a free book.

This book was cute and quaint. I enjoyed it a fair amount and it was even better because it was part of my membership. The characters are interesting and I enjoyed the world-building. Didn't receive a 5/5 only because it wasn't a book that made me go "wowza!"

lovely story, amazing narrator

Simple and easy read, lovely characters. Finty as narrator is amazing, perfect for the story.

Lots of twists that keep you entertained

The narrator is excellent and the story kept me intrigued, even though I correctly figured out the villain.

Loved it!

Engaging and fun read. I wish more authors understood, as Lancaster does, that intensive exposition is not a necessity for a good story. I’ll be immediately listening to Book 2.

Delightful discovery

Found the first book in Audio Plus and it was a delightful discovery. I’ll definitely be getting the rest of the series. Good writing and characters and the narration is excellent. A somewhat Victorian story in a world of magic and fairies. Also a bit of a love story that has a touch of sensuality without being graphic or trite. Think I’ll get this for my mom.

A Delightful Whodunit

I’m not huge on dairy paranormal romance, but I found this one really fun to listen to. The characters are all well-developed and the story and settings gate engaging.

Unexpected and excellent!

I enjoyed this book and loved the narrator. I couldn’t put it down. Two thumbs up.

loved every minute of it!

Very exciting and mysterious adventure. loved how the author brought the characters together and their challenges.

Can't wait to listen to book 2!