A RAKE OF HIS OWN Stariel, Book 5

Nicholas Boulton’s narration of this audiobook—part fantasy, part mystery, part romance—is all pleasure. When botanical scholar Marius Valstar encounters a murdered colleague in his greenhouse, the enthralling fae, Prince Rakken, is there to investigate. Amid more dead colleagues and adventures in various realms, Marius and Rakken begin a romance. While this story has a confusing beginning for those unfamiliar with the series, there’s nothing amiss with Boulton’s commanding performance. Boulton sets Marius’s awkward, self-conscious dialogue against Rakken’s dignified persona so that listeners always know who is talking and thinking. In addition to this narrative clarity, Boulton creates memorable voices for Marius’s mortal colleagues and Rakken’s fae acquaintance. Across the board, Boulton’s crisp, drawling voice meets the challenges of Lancaster’s fae romp. C.A. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2023 Best Audiobook © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2023]