A dazzling historical romance, superbly narrated

I am less familiar with everyday life upon the continent in the Georgian period than I am with the mundanities of London living in the era, but Brant brought the foreign landscape to life vividly. Early Georgian fashion is so much more lavish than the later Regency styles, and the multitude of layers and fabrics and buckles are used to enhance the sense of opulence throughout.

The Duke of Roxton was the epitome of the aristocratic hero; arrogant, brooding, and aloof, and un-catchable by any Lady desirous of a husband. Watching his reserve thaw in the presence of Antonia's joie de vivre made for the perfect age-gap romance, with a splash of the 'beauty and the beast' trope thrown in for good measure.

Loyal and rambunctious, Vallentine provides the perfect contrast to the calculating Duke in tone and manner and Estee's tempestuous Frenchness is equally juxtaposed against her brother's cool reserve. As unalike as they all are, they each share similarities with Antonia, and are united by their deep affection for the "young chit".

Despite her tenacity, on occasion Antonia is drawn as being quite decidedly naive or immature. This was sometimes at odds with her history, and I would have preferred for her to feel a little less achingly young. It is, however, a minor gripe - in every regard.

This novel is not quite a 'sweet/clean' romance, but nor is it explicit, with the majority of the couple's intimacy taking place in the listener's imagination. This may frustrate those who consider a 'fade to black' to be something of a cop-out, but the passion between the lovers is still palpable and one does not feel cheated of a deeper connection.

The narrator, Alex Wyndham, had a wonderful voice and gave an excellent performance. This was my first of his historical romances and is already one of my favourites. The only thing better than finding a new-to-me narrator whose voice and performance I love, is discovering that they have recorded plenty of similar audiobooks that are waiting to get lost in.

The well-written text and excellent narration united to make Noble Satyr one of the most entertaining and accomplished modern Regencies I've had the pleasure of listening to. As this was my first book by Lucinda Brant I am very much looking forward to exploring her others, especially given how many are collaborations with Alex Wyndham. They make a marvellous team.

I would recommend this book to those who are seeking a historical romance series with shades of Heyer, or those who have enjoyed reading the Roxton books and now wish to hear them come alive in a new way under Wyndham's deft craftsmanship.

*I received this audiobook free of charge in the hope of an honest, unbiased review.

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Lucinda Brant and Alex Wyndham - a dream team!

What did you like most about Noble Satyr?

Everything! I adore Lucinda Brant's writing anyway but since she has ventured into audio with Alex Wyndham there is just nothing I do not like. I do particularly love the Georgian period and Lucinda Brant's meticulous research and fascinating descriptions of the dress, customs and furnishings brings it all alive.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It has to be the dissolute Renard, Duke of Roxton. I love a story about a bad boy come good and this is one of the best I've read/listened to.

What about Alex Wyndham’s performance did you like?

He captured Renard at every turn; in the beginning, the dissolute, jaded, drawling, couldn't-care-less aristocrat. Eventually when smitten by the enticing Antonia, Wyndham changes the timbre of his voice so slightly but oh so effectively that we just know - he's hooked!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! And I almost did.

Any additional comments?

The combination of Lucinda Brant and Alex Wyndham is electrifying. These people are on the same wavelength and I eagerly await every book that they conspire on.

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6 people found this helpful

10 stars

Fantastic story beautifully written, narrator excellent his French accent superb.
I think this series is one of my all time favourites. I could listen to it again straight away.

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Homage to These Old Shades

If you could sum up Noble Satyr in three words, what would they be?
Reformed Old Roue

What did you like best about this story?
The whole point of the story is how an older, jaded rake who cares nothing for the world but his own consequence in it, has his world upended by a young, beautiful bundle of fun, who shows him that life has so much colour. The story unfolds slowly and is well-paced. Being the old romantic that I am, I couldn't wait until the scenes with Antonia (young lady) and Roxton (old roue) were together. I loved their 6 days in Paris together at his Hotel, but could have done with a few chapters-worth as I enjoyed it so much. I also thought that Roxton's valet Martin Ellicott was a delight. The other characters that stand out are the loveable buffoon Vallentine and his wife (Roxton's sister), Estee. The 2 villains were dastardly and made for a good storyline, as too Antonia's dreadful grandmere.

What about Alex Wyndham’s performance did you like?
He is one of the best actors/narrators on audio along with Nicholas Boulton that there is, in my 100 book+ experience. He adds ten-fold to any book he reads. His portrayal of each character is perfect. His French accent and Italian accent - superb as well as his wonderful English voice. He could read a shopping list & I would listen.


If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
The Reformed Rake

Any additional comments?
It took me a while to settle into the book as it felt almost like plagiarism of Georgette Heyer's These Old Shades - These Old Shades being one of my favourite books. However, once I got going & fell in love with both the delightful Antonia and imperious Roxton, I started to thoroughly enjoy it and the book, though in many ways followed the route of TOS's, had enough differences to make it fresh.
Roxton was a great character, just like the Duke of Avon was in TOS's, - I loved the slow & languid way that they both spoke. Antonia was pretty identical to Leonie and Lord Rupert's equal was Lord Vallentine, who played the lovable buffoon.
On balance, I think if I had to rate These Old Shades against Noble Satyr, I think, dare I say it, Noble Satyr would win. There was more relationship dialogue between the old rake and his young charge (in Noble Satyr) and I really enjoyed seeing Roxton struggle with his conscience versus his overwhelming love for his young beauty. Their love was portrayed as being soulmates/the absolute love of each others lives/the greatest love of them all.
The whole Roxton series is an absolute joy. Read them all, they are a delight.
plus Eternally Yours & Forever Remain which are the accompanying books to the series. They set out some of the letters which belong to the characters from the books. If you haven't yet read them, I envy you - such a treat awaits.

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8 people found this helpful

Absolutely brilliant

Absolutely brilliant. Loved every second of it, just couldn't stop listening. Loved Renard and Atonia was such a darling.
First time listening to one of Lucinda Brant's books and it definitely won't be my last. I will be continuing all the series with His Duchess which continues with their lives together a few years later. And at the same time i will also start listening to Eternally Yours, which consists of their letters to each other and to their family.
Alex Wyndham was brilliant as always I love his narrating. Loved his voice for both Renard and Antonia. So different and yet so perfect.

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5 Stars Just Do Not Cover It

What did you like most about Noble Satyr?

Noble Satyr in my opinion is the best book by Lucinda Brant. The story line is so full on with emotional scenes, dramatic ones, lighthearted ones, and you can't help but all in love with Antonia the main female character in the story. Alex Wyndham's performance of this book makes the story come to life and you are living through her trials and tribulations thanks to his exquisite portrayal of all the characters in the book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Noble Satyr?

I can't go into detail about the most memorable moments because I don't want to give spoilers. What I will say is that the moments usually are involving the Duke and Antonia, and one scene in particular involves a beloved pet. All emotional moments, be it extreme happiness, or utter despair, but all are memorable in their own way.

Which character – as performed by Alex Wyndham – was your favourite?

Funnily enough although Alex Wyndham performs ALL of the characters to perfection, so much so that you entirely forget that it is just one person performing all the parts! My favourite character has to be Lord Valentine. He is such a funny character, so proud, and so righteous when it comes to the treatment of Antonia, and yet his command of English isn't perfect, and I just love the way Lucinda wrote his character and how Alex performed him. He is a most lovable character and I would love to know somebody like him in real life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes absolutely this book is one I was desperate to listen to all at once. Unfortunately at over 10 hours long that was an impossibility for me. I nearly managed it in two sittings, but as the second one led into the very wee hours of the morning and I had an early appointment that day, I had to stop listening with just one hour left to go. I happily got the chance to listen to that on my third sitting and in that one hour I was absolutely enthralled at how the story came to it's conclusion.

Any additional comments?

I will say this about each and every book that Lucinda writes and which Alex performs, they make the perfect partnership. Lucinda's characters and their story lines are so exciting, and tug at the old heart strings, and then Alex's portrayal of them teamed with his normal, smooth as silk, narrating voice, it just makes for best kind of audio book available. I hope they continue their partnership for each and every book Lucinda writes.

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5 people found this helpful

boring

I found it boring. The reading was good, the only reason finished listening loved the voice.

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Loved It, intelligent, heartwarming and beautiful narration

I love These Old Shades my first Georgian romance read 20 years ago and now I find GH has been supplanted in my top spot! Storyline kept moving forward and I wanted to get to the next part...Great use of language and vocabulary. The performance brought it all to life and I look forward to hearing it again in a few months time. Like a box of chocolates anticipation is a significant part of the enjoyment, so choosing my next book from the author and the narrator is an indulgence. A birthday treat!

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overall comments

the narrator was excellent . he made the book more entertaining. over all it was a good book. I feel the Duke could have got more involved. he was too placed to my mind.i still recommend the book though.

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Great story - BUT…

The story line is brilliant - and I sooo much wanted to listen to it BUT HAD TO STOP as I found the narrator unbelievably bad - and because of him so much got lost - sorry to say

I ordered the book as a real book and thoroughly enjoyed reading it the old way 😃

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