Title: The Gilded Scarab
Series: Lancaster’s Luck 01
Author: Anna Butler
Genre: Steampunk
Length: Novel (314 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 16, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.75 Hearts
Blurb: When Captain Rafe Lancaster is invalided out of the Britannic Imperium’s Aero Corps after crashing his aerofighter during the Second Boer War, his eyesight is damaged permanently, and his career as a fighter pilot is over. Returning to Londinium in late November 1899, he’s lost the skies he loved, has no place in a society ruled by an elite oligarchy of powerful Houses, and is hard up, homeless, and in desperate need of a new direction in life.
Everything changes when he buys a coffeehouse near the Britannic Imperium Museum in Bloomsbury, the haunt of Aegyptologists. For the first time in years, Rafe is free to be himself. In a city powered by luminiferous aether and phlogiston, and where powerful men use House assassins to target their rivals, Rafe must navigate dangerous politics, deal with a jealous and possessive ex-lover, learn to make the best coffee in Londinium, and fend off murder and kidnap attempts before he can find happiness with the man he loves.
ISBN-13: 978-1-63216-773-6
Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/the-gilded-scarab-by-anna-butler-3119-b
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: While I loved the concept of this story I felt it was way too slow paced. Some things needed shortening to appreciate the entire story.
I was a little taken aback at how easily Rafe sleeps with men. I realize he is trying to find his way after being injured in a crash and his career ending as a pilot but I thought he would have better discretion than he did given what his occupation and the time period was.
I really liked the twists and turns, action scenes and all around setup into what I’m sure will be a great series. I am looking forward to getting know the characters more. The story seemed a bit long winded for me though I did enjoy it somewhat.
Good read.