White Stag by Kara Barbieri

I think Wow. Is a pretty good description for where my brain was after I finished White Stag. 

Barbieri’s beginning as a Wattpad writer is clear in the novel. Despite my best attempts to slowly peruse through this book, I ended up ignoring writing a final paper until I finished. While not recommended that you put off your duties, you might want to keep that in mind before you sit down. Barbieri’s addicting writing which kept readers ready for the next installment on Wattpad, left me immediately going to the next chapter. 

While jumping from adventure to adventure, the true strengths of the writing could be seen in the character development. The dynamic between Soren and Janneke was enthralling. Everything within the books seems to be a stark contrast to things I have read recently, and I loved it. The use of Norse folklore, the brutality of the goblins, and the struggle of being able to learn where you belong kept my undivided attention on the story. 

I will say at times it seems like there was almost too much packed in. After finishing I had to take time and step back to breath while I digested everything. There seemed to be side-quest type elements, that did further the story, but the pacing for the first half of the book and the second half of the book didn’t match for me. Perhaps, like the hunt itself in the novel, it starts out slow and then turns into a frantic pace at the end. 

However, I greatly enjoyed this darkly enchanting tale that was woven for us. The beautiful world building, coupled with such a deep knowledge of the magic of the Permafrost that binds all to it’s will leaves the reader craving more. And oh! That ending, I had and idea of where it was going, but Barbieri still had the upper hand. I was delighted to be taken by surprise with her well crafted finale.  

The desire to see more of her beautifully constructed world, leads me to my only other critique. We were shown time and time again, “a smoking gun” that never went off. While this disappointed me, I was mollified by the epilogue. It made my stomach drop in anticipation, and I greatly look forward to what will no doubt be another addicting tale from Barbieri. 

Thanks to Kara Barbieri, NetGalley, and St. Martin’s Press who provided this ARC in exchange for an honest review. White Stag will be available to the public January 8, 2019.

You can get White Stag here through Bookshop.org, which supports local independent bookstores!

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