The Gilded Scarab cover art

The Gilded Scarab

Lancaster's Luck, Book 1

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The Gilded Scarab

By: Anna Butler
Narrated by: Gary Furlong
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Summary

Book one in the Lancaster's Luck M/M steampunk trilogy.

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 London 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 London, and fend off murder and kidnap attempts before he can find happiness with the man he loves.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019, 2020, 2022 Anna Butler (P)2022 Decent Fellows Press Historical Fiction Romance Science Fiction Steampunk Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction England
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Anna Butler’s writing has an elegance and wit that feels almost old-fashioned in the best possible way, while remaining completely enjoyable to read.
The writing is intelligent, witty and wonderfully natural, and I found myself really enjoying not only the storyline but the way the story is told. I particularly loved the unique mix of old-world atmosphere and futuristic gadgets and ideas — it makes for a fascinating combination and gives the story a character all of its own.
Gary Furlong’s narration is a perfect match. He has a real skill for giving each character a definite personality and a distinctive voice, and somehow every voice feels exactly right for the character and for the world Anna Butler has created. His narration adds another layer to the enjoyment of the story and makes the characters feel very real.
I’m already into Book 2 and I’m finding exactly the same qualities there — the intelligent and witty writing, the wonderfully distinctive characters and Gary Furlong bringing them all to life so beautifully.
I’m thoroughly enjoying this series and am very glad I discovered it. A particularly enjoyable listen for anyone who appreciates clever storytelling, memorable characters and beautifully delivered narration.

Loved it

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A dashing, iconoclastic fighter pilot in the Britannic Imperium’s Aero Corps, Captain Rafe Lancaster is devastated to be shown the door after crashing his plane during the 2nd Boer War. Rafe has always despised the Houses, a powerful elite who rule under the Queen, and he’s never wanted anything to do with his own House. But he must start a new life and he borrows from his House to buy a coffeehouse which brings him into the orbit of some attractive archeologists from the nearby Egyptology museum. However, it also exposes him to great danger.

Wow, this steampunk adventure-romance was just perfect: a really interesting sci-fi world with a wonderful historical feel; intrepid closeted heroes tangled in intrigue and politics; and an absorbing mystery with suspense and action! Told from Rafe’s POV, it was a pleasure to spend time with someone brave with a strong moral compass. I really couldn’t fault this—it’s an instant favourite—and I’m super-keen to finish the trilogy. 🎧 Having the superb UK voice actor, Gary Furlong, was the cherry and the icing on a very delicious cake!

Sizzling romance, great steampunk adventure!

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I've been wanting to find this on audio for ages. I'm so glad it's here! The story does start a little slowly but it's all great setup for not only the rest of the book but also the series as a whole - which is wonderful.

Gary Furlong does a fantastic job (as usual) and embodies Rafe Lancaster so well. I can't wait for the next book!

A great series started really well

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Steampunk at its best. The story is set in London at the end of Queen Victoria’s reign. Of course it is in an alternative universe where steam rules. Clannish like high families also rule. Assassinations are common and sodomy is illegal much as it was in our own universe at that time. A romance between the scion of the highest placed family and a recalcitrant member of a lesser one was always going to be difficult. Imagine then if a love triangle is actually also involved. Wonderful world building; excellent characterisation and a very well paced delivery all make this an excellent story as does the very pleasing narration. I highly recommend it and have already bought the next two books and audibles as I am definitely hooked.

Intriguing Adventure

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