Book Review: Lord of Stariel by A.J. Lancaster
Book Review
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Book Review 〰️
Written By: Shayne Molt (Bookseller)
This unique book is the first of the Stariel quartet. Additionally, the author is releasing a novel that covers the story of one of the side characters, Marius Valstar, coming out on Oct 28, 2022.
This book is one of my favorites that I have read in a while. I am partial to books that include Kings, Queens, the Fae, and heaps of fantasy. While these things have been overdone to some extent, I will admit, the author brings new elements to the genre.
First and foremost, the estate, Stariel, is a magical one that I have never read about before and a concept I found fascinating. It is a fantasy world, so magic is expected, of course. Henrietta Valstar, or Hetta, our main character, is a Master of Illusion and can change the color of her lips or the appearance of flowers.
Though Hetta left her home and family behind a long time ago, she is forced to return when tragedy strikes. Her former home is set to be inherited by one of her family members after her father, the Lord of Stariel, dies. The estate is not passed down through conventional succession; instead, the family gathers for ‘The Choosing,’ during which Stariel chooses the next lord. The estate almost seems to have some semblance of consciousness.
Marius, her eldest brother, is seen as unlikely to be chosen as Marius was seen as too nervous and focused more on scholarly pursuits than becoming a leader of men. He also harbors a secret that brings him shame.
Jack is Hetta’s cousin and has been groomed by the late Lord of Stariel to assume the role. He is seen as the most capable and obvious choice. Jack has the knowledge and confidence essential to help the struggling estate excel.
Hetta, herself has been absent from Stariel for years and only intends to stay at her home for a short time and return to her life in the city.
The entire family is shocked when Hetta, the rebellious daughter, is instead chosen and suddenly forced into a world of familial drama and unexpected magical danger that hasn’t been seen since the founding of Stariel.
I loved this book because the author built a vast and fascinating magical world with a rich backstory. The main characters like Wyn Tempest, the dutiful servant hiding from his past and love interest, are well-written and swoon-worthy. The romance that develops throughout doesn’t overpower the book's fantasy elements but instead compliments each other very well.
The side characters aren’t neglected in the slightest but instead are developed like they were the center of their own stories.
Marius, Hetta’s brother, is adorably lost and desperately trying to find himself and battle the shame he feels for the secrets he keeps. Marius deserves his own full-fledged story, and thankfully the author is providing it. A Rake of His Own is a book that I am highly anticipating, which will follow Marius after the events of the four books that are included in the Stariel quartet. Throughout the Lord of Stariel and the following books, the reader begins to hope that Marius will find the happiness that he deserves and, more than that, hope that he can find it with a mystery character that bursts their way into his life.
Hetta also deserves her praise as a character. She is a strong, unique character without falling into the Mary Sue stereotype of which many authors are guilty.
Overall, I strongly recommend this book and the entire series.
Book cover : Solid green with small illustration of wings on the top, and a mansion house on the bottom. Gold flourished Typography for title “The Lord of Stariel”.
