Title: The White Stag (Permafrost #1)
Author: Kara Barbieri
Rating: ★★★★

ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

The last goblin book I read was a disappointment, so I was pleasantly surprised by The White Stag. The reviews for this seem to be either hit or miss, but I thoroughly enjoyed the book! This is a darker story than most YA Fantasy and deals with tougher subjects, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

The beginning of the book dumps readers right into the middle of the action, and I was initially thrown off for a few moments, but as I continued reading I came to the realization that I actually liked that approach and it seemed to work for the story the author was trying to tell. Janneke, the protagonist, was such an interesting character to read about, and I had no problem rooting for her through the events of the book. Kara Barbieri really drives the message of Janneke being a survivor after everything she has had to endure, such as the death of her family and personal trauma. As the story goes on, she begins to figure out and accept who she is, and becomes an even stronger fighter.

The concept of the Wild Hunt was so intriguing to read about. It creates a lot of action for the story, and also allows for some growth for out characters. I really enjoyed the progression of feelings between Janneke and Soren. The romance felt believable and natural, and I look forward to seeing it develop further in the next book. And that ending was quite the twist! I can honestly say I did not expect anything of that sort happening, and I’m really curious as to what will happen in the upcoming sequel.