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The Lord of Stariel Kindle Edition

by AJ Lancaster (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 4,126 ratings
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.

The Lord of Stariel is the first book in the Stariel quartet, a romantic cozy fantasy series about fae, magical estates, and complicated families.
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  1. Book 1 of 5
    Stariel
  2. Print length
    322 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    November 1, 2018
  6. File size
    3.9 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. How lowering it was to find that one’s childhood hero was only a mortal man after all.
    Highlighted by 241 Kindle readers
  2. She felt, for the first time in her life, a wholly discernible emotion from the land. It was satisfaction.
    Highlighted by 117 Kindle readers
  3. I beg you not to look at me as if I am about to expire; it pricks my vanity.
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From the Publisher

A magical estate that chooses its own ruler
Fantasy, strong heroine, castle, magic

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If you are looking for something delightful and heartwarming that explores themes of family and homecoming, I highly recommend this book." —SBTB

"...something that feels just a half-step away from our world, full of characters that breathe on and off the page, a romance that hits all the right notes, and a plot that keeps you engaged" — Bookworm Blues

"...quirky and fantastical, with a pinch of country house mystery." —The Fantasy Hive
"The Lord of Stariel is what would happen if Downton Abbey was set in a Fantasy world."—Queen's Book Asylum

From the Author

Go to ajlancaster.com/details if you're a reader who prefers to know certain details about my books upfront (such as sexual content, violence levels, and presence of common triggers).

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07HD681WN
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Camberion Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 1, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 322 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0473451257
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Stariel
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 4,126 ratings

About the author

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AJ Lancaster

AJ Lancaster

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AJ Lancaster writes romantic, whimsical fantasy and lives in New Zealand with two ridiculous cats and far too many house plants.

Go to ajlancaster.com/details if you're a reader who prefers to know certain details about my books upfront (such as sexual content, violence levels, and presence of common triggers).

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4,126 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this book for its interesting mix of fae magic and twisty plot, featuring a likable heroine and engaging protagonist. They appreciate the sweet romance/suspense elements, with one customer noting it's a great blend of slow burn historical romance. The writing style is well-crafted and easy to read, while the world-building receives positive feedback for its right levels of magic. Customers find the book entertaining and real, with one review highlighting its unique take on a saturated genre.

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110 customers mention "Story quality"110 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's story, which features an interesting mix of fae magic and lots of twists and turns. One customer describes it as a marvelous book loaded with mysteries, while another appreciates the interpersonal intrigue.

"...Turn of the century-ish. There is of course magic in this world, as the fae are a fairly big presence in this story, though to the humans, they are..." Read more

"This had some surprises which is lovely and was all around just fun to read. I enjoyed the characters...." Read more

"...thing this book does really well- making the characters and situations feel realistic and relatable even in a fantasy setting...." Read more

"...Relaxing and cozy, but with enough tension and mystery to keep it interesting. The main characters were wonderful...." Read more

108 customers mention "Readability"108 positive0 negative

Customers find the book delightful and engaging, enjoying it from beginning to end.

"...It was well written, flowed well, was never boring, so I can safely say that I thoroughly enjoyed The Lord of Stariel...." Read more

"This had some surprises which is lovely and was all around just fun to read. I enjoyed the characters...." Read more

"This book, and series as a whole, is an absolute gem (possible minor spoilers). The plot and the characters are very fresh...." Read more

"This was a fun read. Relaxing and cozy, but with enough tension and mystery to keep it interesting. The main characters were wonderful...." Read more

92 customers mention "Character development"89 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly noting the strong-minded heroine and engaging protagonist, with one customer highlighting the chemistry between the two main characters.

"...I absolutely loved Hetta as a character, which as you can imagine, made this one an easy read for me...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the characters...." Read more

"...The plot and the characters are very fresh. I loved the concept of land sense and the mixed fantasy and semi-modern setting was very creative...." Read more

"...The main characters were wonderful. Hetta is practical and knows her own mind and heart...." Read more

87 customers mention "Romance"79 positive8 negative

Customers enjoy the romantic elements of the book, describing it as a cozy fantasy read with a great fairytale kind of world.

"...There is enough romance and potential romance here that I was lead right along in the story hoping that canoodling between people I wanted to..." Read more

"...willed (but not annoyingly snarky like many protagonists) and intelligent and Wyn is sweet and endearing. Their relationship is precious...." Read more

"...Overall this was a great blend of slow burn historical romance and fae romance vibes, but with a more modern heroine. I will be reading the next book." Read more

"...well-suited for that particular audience, but one whereby the romance is kept at bay... sweet without being gushy, and adult without being so..." Read more

46 customers mention "Enjoyment"41 positive5 negative

Customers find the book engaging and entertaining, describing it as a fun world to dive into.

"...It is an engaging world and an engaging story, setting up many more tangles to be unsorted in the next books...." Read more

"...This book was an adventure-filled thrill ride with magic galore...." Read more

"...and mystery in this book without too much " heavy petting" it's fun and easy to read" Read more

"...She's very active and engaging, which makes the story fly by...." Read more

45 customers mention "Writing style"45 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, finding it well-crafted and easy to read, with one customer noting its balanced descriptions and characterizations.

"...It was well written, flowed well, was never boring, so I can safely say that I thoroughly enjoyed The Lord of Stariel...." Read more

"...The complicated family dynamic was relatable and well written...." Read more

"...The bonus is that Lancaster's writing is a joy to wrap yourself in, and you may find yourself smiling warmly from page to page." Read more

"...mystery in this book without too much " heavy petting" it's fun and easy to read" Read more

36 customers mention "World building"34 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the world building in the book, particularly noting its right levels of magic and unique take on a saturated genre.

"...This was a very entertaining read, to me! It takes place in a very interesting world, which is not unlike our own...." Read more

"...The plot and the characters are very fresh. I loved the concept of land sense and the mixed fantasy and semi-modern setting was very creative...." Read more

"...Lots of interpersonal intrigue and compelling world-building. I'm excited to read the next one." Read more

"...And then mystery upon mystery appears. The world building and plot lines are on point. There lots to tease the mind...." Read more

22 customers mention "Realism"22 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the realism of the book, finding it believable and rich, with one customer noting it has no agonizing cliffhangers.

"...Again, it felt realistic and relatable for anyone who has been in an inter-cultural relationship...." Read more

"...This story would stand alone because there is sufficient resolution of the main plot line. If this were a movie it would be rated PG...." Read more

"This was such a cute book!!!!! Plot wrapped up very nicely at the end and even though it’s one in the morning, I’m about to dive into the second book..." Read more

"...about a woman who has far more power than she thinks she does, a magical estate, and a lot of people who want to get their hands on that estate...." Read more

Hypnotizing
5 out of 5 stars
Hypnotizing
It’s no secret that mystical fae adventures are all the rage right now. If you’re into a tale that hooks you, and takes you on a wild ride this story is perfect for you. I actually listened to the story on Audible first… but loved it so much I wanted it on my shelf, accessible, and so I could read at my own pace and maybe pick up things I missed. Boy did I. A wonderful adventure, full of love, loss, strength, action, and plenty of twists. Can’t beat it. I’ve recommended it to almost everyone I know who’s into these kinds of stories. One of my new favorites!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • cwisecousin
    5.0 out of 5 stars An adventure-filled thrill ride
    Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    ** spoiler alert ** The Lord of Stariel is a marvelous book loaded with mysteries, secrets, and other-worldly beings. This book was an adventure-filled thrill ride with magic galore.
    Henrietta has been called to her childhood home of Stariel for her father's funeral and for the choosing of the new Lord of Stariel. Stariel is an estate with a magical legacy. When the Lord of Stariel dies a new Lord must be chosen. The estate of Stariel and a magic artifact called the Starstone choose the next Lord. All the members of the family must follow a prescribed ritual of dressing in a white robe and passing by the Starstone and running their fingers over the stone. The Stone does the choosing. Henrietta knows she will not be chosen because she and her father had a falling-out years ago and she has not been back since. She works as magic illusionist for a theater company and hardly anyone in her family approves of her working.
    Her father has chosen a cousin to be his successor and everyone assumes Jack will become the new Lord of Stariel. The family squabbles over the inheritance but the choice is up to the estate and the Starstone.
    On the day of the choosing the family all dress in the robes and assemble to pass by the Starstone at sunset. They follow each other by birth order. Henrietta is thinking of getting back to town and all the illusions she must create for her theater group when lights begin to flash and startle her into awareness. She is dumbstruck! Jack has not been selected as the new Lord of Stariel. Henrietta is now Lord of Stariel! All her family seems to be angry about this and Jack stomps off into the woods. They accuse her of creating an illusion to steal the Lordship.
    Henrietta sees a strange blond-haired man in the crowd and she sees another man who is also an illusionist but he disappears quickly.
    As Henrietta and her good friend, Wyn, along with her older brother try to figure out what has happened they discover all sorts of strange occurrences.
    This is only the first book of the series and I can't wait for the second book!
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  • Ruralcindy
    4.0 out of 5 stars A tale of family
    Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This book is the first of 4, following the Valstar family. Our main character is Henrietta ( Hetta) Valstar. Her mother died with her birth. She has an older brother, Marius, who she is quite close to. Her father remarried a younger woman and had three more children, a boy and two girls, Gregory, Alexandria, and Laurel. Laurel is still a child, Gregory is about 18, and Alexandria is an older teen. She is not close to her step-mother Phoebe, but respects her well enough. Her father was very traditional. As the book opens, he has just died. They live on the estate of Stariel. The world is sort of English steampunk. There is magic in the land, but not so much. More where they are in the North . Their estate, the estate of Stariel, is a borderlands between the fae world and the mortal world. It has some sentience. With the death of the Lord, it chooses a new Lord through a ceremony. Hetta has come home for the ceremony. She and her father had a huge falling out when she turned 18 and she left for the major city in the south where she studied her magic as an illusionist and got a job she loves as an actress. Her brother should be the next Lord of Stariel, but he has never been close to the land. Her father favored her cousin, Jack, who was most like him. In the ceremony, Stariel gets to choose from the entire family, so there is a whole cast of characters, Grandma, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. We meet the neighbor, her childhood crush, and her best friend, who took shelter with them as a teen and has risen to head butler. However, there is something wrong with the ceremony. Instead of Jack or Marius being chosen Lord of Stariel, it is Hetta! Is she REALLY Lord of Stariel, or was there something really wrong with the ceremony? What does it mean to be Lord of Stariel and have a relationship with a fae land? Instead of a quick visit home, Hetta has to figure out what is wrong, what is going on with Stariel, and renew all of her relations with the family, land and household discovering a plethora of secrets about everyone and changing all their relationships, bringing them closer together.

    It is an engaging world and an engaging story, setting up many more tangles to be unsorted in the next books. At the heart of it is a young woman who had moved on from her family and finds and creates connection again.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • jen
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great story
    Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Hette comes home expecting a short visit until she become the Lord of her lands. While the mystery unfolds Hette grows into a strong female lead learning as she goes. Great variety of characters and a great ending to this story. Well worth reading and I’m eager for the next in the series.
    Helpful
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  • sebrina
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love the adventure
    Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I love the amount of adventure and mystery in this book without too much " heavy petting" it's fun and easy to read
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Top reviews from other countries

  • L&S Platownslia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully written
    Reviewed in Italy on August 22, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, having gotten it without looking into the blurb or summary, just taking the word of a friend who recommended it. Oh man, it was great. I loved the description of the world, and the way the main character grew into her role, and the way I was rooting for her the whole time.
    Highly recommended and I can't wait to dive into book 2!
    Report
  • Sian Greening
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended: unique.
    Reviewed in Australia on December 21, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    What a pleasure these books have been to read. It was a relief to read such a clean, uncluttered writing style and the world building was startlingly realistic. I was so pleased when I was not met by a world of sassy assassin/kickass heroines, poorly realised "mediaeval" style horses and swords, and unimaginative Fairy tropes. Instead, the setting is a rather lovely and enormous 1920s style family estate, with a solid plot, well worked and realistic characters, and a fine use of the omniscient third person so we can move between several major characters to view their difficulties, their conflicts and their experiences with faerie. The intelligent dialogue stands out; too often I have been disappointed by books where fairies are predictably aloof and scary at first but seem to also lapse into speaking American English, full if jarring modern americanisms which otherwise spoil a good book (I wish Americans actually understood that what they think of as everyday language is peppered with slang, which is jarring and frankly lazy writing, and lazy editing). This book has been tightly written, with an appropriate vocabulary, and a writing style that is as clean and fresh as a mountain lake. I really loved the setting (an estate built on fae lands which is sentient and peopled by mortals is a delightful idea and is well realised in the book). The characters are well rounded and their adventures engaged me to the point that I read all books back to back. I initially obtained them through Kindle Unlimited, and my subscription has paid off yet again; I have now bought all four books and they will be on permanent rotation. Well done, aj Lancaster, I look forward to your future writing.
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  • Fiona
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The Lord of Stariel is a great start to a series of book about fae and Mortals. A J Lancaster has written a compelling tale about land and magic.

    When the Lord of Stariel dies, his family comes together to mourn him and to welcome the new Lord, who everyone thinks will be Jack, the old Lords nephew. However, the star stone (which chooses the next Lord) is taken and Hetta finds herself as the new Lord. This does not sit comfortably with her, as she's not been back to Stariel for 6 years, making a living as an illusionist in the city of Meriden. She also finds out that Wyn, a childhood friend and butler in the house, is far more than he seems.

    I first read this book (and the sequels) a couple of years ago and have found them on audio recently. This is a great series, well written and a page turner, as I definitely needed to know what was going to happen next. If you like magic and fae, this is the book/series for you.
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  • D.D.Sampson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fae & magic
    Reviewed in Spain on March 14, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    It is slow going for the first 24 %, but the it pics up pace and turns interesting. Very well written. The proof of the pudding is that I'll buy the next book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Ananya
    5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliantly written debut
    Reviewed in India on October 30, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I absolutely, unequivocally loved this book! It was a totally random find and goodness, am I glad I found it.

    It's got:
    - A sentient estate (how interesting is that!)
    - A historical alt-British kind of setting, which I'm a total sucker for
    - A strong, practical, matter-of-fact kind of female protagonist whose beauty is not expounded upon (and isn't that rare in fantasy?)
    - The title of "Lord" being gender-neutral
    - Fairies (ahem, "Fae")
    - ...and more!

    What's not to like! It's also drily funny, and there's nothing I love more than dry humour....
    Report

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