The Lord of Stariel

"I like the world building and the concept. It’s a similar theme to ACOTAR and seems to draw a lot of inspiration from the series, but unlike Maas, the characters are pretty well developed. I like the power structure, although I felt that the plot was kind of hectic. The fae were pretty unnecessary other than to set up the series and ensure more books. It could have been a standalone mystery with less Fae, although the actual mystery was pretty predictable. Not sure I’d read it again."

"I highly recommend this series.<br/><br/>The characters feel so alive and are all so unique and you really get invested in their stories. It's especially refreshing to read about no-nonsense characters who are practical and resourceful. <br/><br/>Stariel and the Vasltars have a lot of secrets and I had an enjoyable time following them along. The romance is well-paced and feels very natural. It also brings out a handful of genuine laughs and that's the good stuff we like to see! <br/><br/>If romantic fantasy with a dash of comedy (and whimsical relatives) is your thing, you will find this checks all the boxes."

"This series is well worth the read with all the twists and turns. The characters are amazing, the way the author describes everything is so imaginative the story itself feels alive. From the banter between characters to the thoughts, it all felt so fantastically real albeit fantasy. "

"I don't usually read books that have anything to do with the "modern" conception of faeries (Neil Gaiman-style, if that means more to you) and so I must have missed that line about "the fae" when I skimmed the book jacket before picking this one up. That said, I did enjoy this story, and the gentle introduction to the fae that inhabit this world was a refreshing take on what can be an otherwise tedious exercise of implied unseelie terrors.<br/><br/>The book explores the return of the estranged main character, Hetta, to her home estate to be with her family for the magical ritual selection of a new lord of their lands after her father's death. She does not expect this to be anything but a formality, when - obviously - she is selected by the land to hold office. Of course, things are not what they seem when faeries are involved, and - without spoiling anything - a mystery unfolds.<br/><br/>In all the story was well-told and it occurred within a setting that I enjoyed; a kind of victorian steampunk England but with more electronics than steam. They have phones and electricity, but also power cars with some kind of magic. It's interesting. Hetta is a likable character with "modern" sensibilities for her environment.<br/><br/>Again, I might have missed this book if I knew there were fairies in it. And having started already on the second book in this series, I have a feeling that there may yet be too many fairies in it for my tastes. But ultimately, this bit of mystery fiction was entertaining and I enjoyed it."