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bookwisp 's review for:
The Lord of Stariel
by A.J. Lancaster
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I picked this up to fill the 'Self-published' bingo square for r/ Fantasy's 2022 Bingo challenge as it came recommended by the same community. This was a light, fun and fast gaslamp Fantasy read. I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality - most all of the self-published work I've come across has been via Kindle Unlimited; a catalogue that's historically proved more miss than hit with me.
The ending was a tad rushed, but the characterisation was decent throughout. I liked Hetta a lot as a protagonist. In particular, I enjoyed her wry humour and her self-possession. I also really liked the concept of Stariel estate being semi-sentient. Place as character is a trope that I'll always enjoy.
If you're in the market for a light, fun Fantasy-of-manners read - perhaps as a palate cleanser between heavier works - look no further.
The ending was a tad rushed, but the characterisation was decent throughout. I liked Hetta a lot as a protagonist. In particular, I enjoyed her wry humour and her self-possession. I also really liked the concept of Stariel estate being semi-sentient. Place as character is a trope that I'll always enjoy.
If you're in the market for a light, fun Fantasy-of-manners read - perhaps as a palate cleanser between heavier works - look no further.