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mickachoo's review against another edition
3.0
I truly wanted to like this book but, while it wasn't the worst thing I've ever read (by far; there were enjoyable moments), it just didn't pull me in. I never felt fully invested in any of the characters except for, maybe, Seppo who just reminded me of Jaskier from The Witcher. I don't know, this just felt like a mediocre story to me and I don't see myself rereading, recommending, or continuing the series.
renee_c's review against another edition
3.0
3/5
An average to above average read. Janneke, our lead, is an interesting and well-developed character; her journey and growth are the strongest points of the novel. Janneke must decide what and who she is and want she wants in her future. Her internal conflict and the flow of her perspective felt natural. I appreciated her strength, especially in the face of past trauma.
I believe White Stag started as a Wattpad fanfic so I had adjusted my standards accordingly and I'd suggest readers do the same before reading. I liked Janneke but no other character is nearly as developed. The dialogue can be hard to pin down because at times it is extremely modern which contrasts sharply with the world it's set in. I also found it hard to understand why and how, if goblins are so horrible and cruel, Soren is our one special angel with feelings? And the biggest downside was the ending; it was a major stretch and felt cheap.
Overall, White Stag is a quick read with an easy romance to root for, and it can act as a filler for the The-Folk-of-the-Air-shaped hole you may have in your heart. Be sure to adjust your expectations in terms of development and complexity, read all of the trigger warnings beforehand, and you'll be set to give it a try.
An average to above average read. Janneke, our lead, is an interesting and well-developed character; her journey and growth are the strongest points of the novel. Janneke must decide what and who she is and want she wants in her future. Her internal conflict and the flow of her perspective felt natural. I appreciated her strength, especially in the face of past trauma.
I believe White Stag started as a Wattpad fanfic so I had adjusted my standards accordingly and I'd suggest readers do the same before reading. I liked Janneke but no other character is nearly as developed. The dialogue can be hard to pin down because at times it is extremely modern which contrasts sharply with the world it's set in. I also found it hard to understand why and how, if goblins are so horrible and cruel, Soren is our one special angel with feelings? And the biggest downside was the ending; it was a major stretch and felt cheap.
Overall, White Stag is a quick read with an easy romance to root for, and it can act as a filler for the The-Folk-of-the-Air-shaped hole you may have in your heart. Be sure to adjust your expectations in terms of development and complexity, read all of the trigger warnings beforehand, and you'll be set to give it a try.
alyssaindira's review against another edition
5.0
**No plot spoilers were harmed in the making of this review**
"We're all monsters to someone or something by some definition."
Hi guys, yes, wow, I just finished this. I feel like this is a hidden gem. I cannot contain how much this story enthralled and captivated me. I feel like there are no words. I have never read something like this. I do not even know where to begin. Okay, so the writing was pretty good. It was both short and precise when needed, but also graphic and detailed in other places. It definitely paints a brilliant pictures in your mind of the characters thoughts, feelings, actions, and the world. The writing make it entirely too easy to sink into this world. And once you are trapped, you will never escape. At some places, the writing was a wee bit too descriptive without adding anything to the story, but those were minimal and you could easily skim and not lose the magic of the story. The writing overall made it easy to read this quickly, but also still get thoroughly immersed in the world and to care for the charactersfrom the start.
The world itself is like nothing I have ever read. It is primarily full of goblins, who are tricky, cruel, logical, unfeeling, who only tell truths but will spin you around so much you dont know what the meaning of truth is. They are dark, deadly and dangerous. They kill for sport. They kill for fun. They kill because they are monsters. Or are they?
I thought the magic system in the world was really intriguing. I liked the different things it touched upon, like certain fighting laws, cultural norms. The way the magic bends and twists, moving through everyone and everything. The magic, the power, always being there, ready to take. Spells, binds, and bonds can entrap and ensnare. Power can equally heal or harm.
The main female Janneke, has been unwillingly brought into this world. She has endured much in this world. HAs experienced to much, way more than anyone should ever have to. Some of the things she has gone through should really be considered with the utmost delicacy and respect. But despite all she has gone through, she is fierce. She is strong. She is brave. She is a survivor. She is stubborn, strong willed. She wont stopmoving until she physically cannot stop. She has a fighting spirit that burns so bright its a surprise she hasnt given the sun a run for its money. Not only is she that, she has a mind. She notices and tries to think through things. she has gone everything she can to ensure that no one would harm her again. However, that does not mean what she has gone through is over. In a way, it was just the beginning. What she has yet to face is the thing she fears most: herself. She worries about her place in this world, whether she belongs, whether she would be accepted. She worries about her future. Her past. I felt like this was a powerful and emotional tale of her trying to process her trauma. Of her wreslting with all that has been done to her, and what she wantsfrom life, her wants, needs, desires. She is adrift. She wants anchor. She wants to leave. She wants to leave. She walks a fine border in her life, not quite putting one foot on one side or the other, trying to maintain a balance between being human, and being a monster.
Soren. I loved him from the moment I laid eyes on him. He isnt cruel like the others of his kind. He is just as powerful and fierce, and can be cruel, but never to his own. It is clear as day that he cares for Jan , from the first few pages. He wants to protect her. He wants to shield her. He wants to guard her. He only wants what he best for her. He would be willing to die so that she may live. Yet, she wants nothing to do with him. Because to her, he is the one responsible for it all. Soren ughh, my heart. He is so patient, kind, gentle. He does not force her. He does not push. He does not take away her freedom, but rather grants it in any way he can. Soren is so humorous and their banter had me smiling like a idiot. He is so charming and so sweet and respectful of her. He is just..the perfect male. And yet Jan would rather tell him to go eat his young. I truly wanted to scream at her.
So yeah, overall I really enjoyed this novel. The characters were fantastic. I fell for both of them, I went through the high stakes, dark and deadly, bone shattering, thrilling and twisted experiences with them. I went on the journey beside them. And I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them. That being said... I do not know if I will read the sequel. It may bring more harm to my babies than I could bare.... Alright, I am rambled long enough. Remember, this is all my opinion. if you want your own, read the book. Till next time.
"We're all monsters to someone or something by some definition."
Hi guys, yes, wow, I just finished this. I feel like this is a hidden gem. I cannot contain how much this story enthralled and captivated me. I feel like there are no words. I have never read something like this. I do not even know where to begin. Okay, so the writing was pretty good. It was both short and precise when needed, but also graphic and detailed in other places. It definitely paints a brilliant pictures in your mind of the characters thoughts, feelings, actions, and the world. The writing make it entirely too easy to sink into this world. And once you are trapped, you will never escape. At some places, the writing was a wee bit too descriptive without adding anything to the story, but those were minimal and you could easily skim and not lose the magic of the story. The writing overall made it easy to read this quickly, but also still get thoroughly immersed in the world and to care for the charactersfrom the start.
The world itself is like nothing I have ever read. It is primarily full of goblins, who are tricky, cruel, logical, unfeeling, who only tell truths but will spin you around so much you dont know what the meaning of truth is. They are dark, deadly and dangerous. They kill for sport. They kill for fun. They kill because they are monsters. Or are they?
I thought the magic system in the world was really intriguing. I liked the different things it touched upon, like certain fighting laws, cultural norms. The way the magic bends and twists, moving through everyone and everything. The magic, the power, always being there, ready to take. Spells, binds, and bonds can entrap and ensnare. Power can equally heal or harm.
The main female Janneke, has been unwillingly brought into this world. She has endured much in this world. HAs experienced to much, way more than anyone should ever have to. Some of the things she has gone through should really be considered with the utmost delicacy and respect. But despite all she has gone through, she is fierce. She is strong. She is brave. She is a survivor. She is stubborn, strong willed. She wont stopmoving until she physically cannot stop. She has a fighting spirit that burns so bright its a surprise she hasnt given the sun a run for its money. Not only is she that, she has a mind. She notices and tries to think through things. she has gone everything she can to ensure that no one would harm her again. However, that does not mean what she has gone through is over. In a way, it was just the beginning. What she has yet to face is the thing she fears most: herself. She worries about her place in this world, whether she belongs, whether she would be accepted. She worries about her future. Her past. I felt like this was a powerful and emotional tale of her trying to process her trauma. Of her wreslting with all that has been done to her, and what she wantsfrom life, her wants, needs, desires. She is adrift. She wants anchor. She wants to leave. She wants to leave. She walks a fine border in her life, not quite putting one foot on one side or the other, trying to maintain a balance between being human, and being a monster.
Soren. I loved him from the moment I laid eyes on him. He isnt cruel like the others of his kind. He is just as powerful and fierce, and can be cruel, but never to his own. It is clear as day that he cares for Jan , from the first few pages. He wants to protect her. He wants to shield her. He wants to guard her. He only wants what he best for her. He would be willing to die so that she may live. Yet, she wants nothing to do with him. Because to her, he is the one responsible for it all. Soren ughh, my heart. He is so patient, kind, gentle. He does not force her. He does not push. He does not take away her freedom, but rather grants it in any way he can. Soren is so humorous and their banter had me smiling like a idiot. He is so charming and so sweet and respectful of her. He is just..the perfect male. And yet Jan would rather tell him to go eat his young. I truly wanted to scream at her.
So yeah, overall I really enjoyed this novel. The characters were fantastic. I fell for both of them, I went through the high stakes, dark and deadly, bone shattering, thrilling and twisted experiences with them. I went on the journey beside them. And I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them. That being said... I do not know if I will read the sequel. It may bring more harm to my babies than I could bare.... Alright, I am rambled long enough. Remember, this is all my opinion. if you want your own, read the book. Till next time.
appalachianlibrary's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nyeran's review against another edition
4.0
- What if they're attacked?
- What if I dont give a damn?
Facile innamorarsi di un goblin quando assomiglia a Legolas.
✿ Però devo dire che almeno la storiella non mi ha disgustata. E Janneka non mi ha infastidita come le solite protagoniste, il che è un evento, e ormai sono arrivata ad un punto dove devo godermi almeno le piccole vittorie. Questa poi è una gran vittoria. Non è scontato nel 2020 trovare una protagonista tutto sommato coerente – anche se c'ha pure lei il momento alla cazzo -, piacevole da leggere e che riesce a farti empatizzare per lei senza però fartela cascare sulle palle. Non è solo merito suo, la storia le da una mano, l'ambientazione ti intriga e la lore ti da quel tanto che basta per farti incuriosire. Infatti siamo al nord, non tanto perchè ci troviamo circondati da permafrost e quindi ovviamente siamo nel nord, ma questa storia è piena di riferimenti norrenici, a partire dal villaggio messo a fuoco e ferro dai goblin che ha chiari riferimenti vichinghi, l'esistenza della dea Skadi, l'apparizione dei Lindworm e del draugr. Tutte creature che raramente vengono mostrate nei libri fantasy, anche in quelli dichiaratamente ispirati a quella mitologia, quindi è stato interessante veder usare creature diverse.
✿ È stato un po' meno interessante lo sviluppo romantico - e quando mai – perché se all'inizio il rapporto funzionava, quella distanza tra i due, quella differenza di razza e autorità, quell'odio che Janneka sembra provare per Soren, quella sorta di amicizia/flirt che sembravano aver instaurato rendevano la relazione saporita, già poco prima della metà si palesa l'interesse di Soren per Janneka e viceversa e tutto diventa un po' meh. Ma comunque piacevole se non fosse per il fatto che fin da pagina uno Janneka ripete che non vuole pensare ai traumi subiti (ora infatti è pena di cicatrici fisiche ed emotive e non ha più un seno) per poi buttare tutto dalla finestra quando ha l'occasione di limonarsi Soren. Lui le mette le mani sul corpo e lei non ha un sussulto, un dubbio, un pensiero timoroso, tutto rose e fiori. La salva il fatto che almeno – piccole vittorie- non diventa una scema d'amore dopo il primo limone e continua ad avere facolta cognitive e motorie tanto da riuscire ad uccidere un draugr. Brava.
✿ Sul tema principale c'è poco da dire, non c'è una vera e propria caccia, noi li vediamo che seguono le tracce di questo cervo, nessun goblin li attacca mai e l'unico pericolo è rappresentato da creature esterne. Tutto questo poi viene annullato quando Soren dice che la caccia non dura mai oltre la luna piena perché il Permafrost si rompe le scatole e costringe il cervo ad avvicinarsi ai due goblin più potenti così da essere ucciso e decidere il prossimo re. Che senso ha allora creare alleanze e partire alla sua ricerca? Perché ai goblin piace ammazzare? È questo che vuoi sottolineare? Che gli piace uccidere per sport? A tutti tranne a Soren, ricordiamolo.
- What if I dont give a damn?
Facile innamorarsi di un goblin quando assomiglia a Legolas.
✿ Però devo dire che almeno la storiella non mi ha disgustata. E Janneka non mi ha infastidita come le solite protagoniste, il che è un evento, e ormai sono arrivata ad un punto dove devo godermi almeno le piccole vittorie. Questa poi è una gran vittoria. Non è scontato nel 2020 trovare una protagonista tutto sommato coerente – anche se c'ha pure lei il momento alla cazzo -, piacevole da leggere e che riesce a farti empatizzare per lei senza però fartela cascare sulle palle. Non è solo merito suo, la storia le da una mano, l'ambientazione ti intriga e la lore ti da quel tanto che basta per farti incuriosire. Infatti siamo al nord, non tanto perchè ci troviamo circondati da permafrost e quindi ovviamente siamo nel nord, ma questa storia è piena di riferimenti norrenici, a partire dal villaggio messo a fuoco e ferro dai goblin che ha chiari riferimenti vichinghi, l'esistenza della dea Skadi, l'apparizione dei Lindworm e del draugr. Tutte creature che raramente vengono mostrate nei libri fantasy, anche in quelli dichiaratamente ispirati a quella mitologia, quindi è stato interessante veder usare creature diverse.
✿ È stato un po' meno interessante lo sviluppo romantico - e quando mai – perché se all'inizio il rapporto funzionava, quella distanza tra i due, quella differenza di razza e autorità, quell'odio che Janneka sembra provare per Soren, quella sorta di amicizia/flirt che sembravano aver instaurato rendevano la relazione saporita, già poco prima della metà si palesa l'interesse di Soren per Janneka e viceversa e tutto diventa un po' meh. Ma comunque piacevole se non fosse per il fatto che fin da pagina uno Janneka ripete che non vuole pensare ai traumi subiti (ora infatti è pena di cicatrici fisiche ed emotive e non ha più un seno) per poi buttare tutto dalla finestra quando ha l'occasione di limonarsi Soren. Lui le mette le mani sul corpo e lei non ha un sussulto, un dubbio, un pensiero timoroso, tutto rose e fiori. La salva il fatto che almeno – piccole vittorie- non diventa una scema d'amore dopo il primo limone e continua ad avere facolta cognitive e motorie tanto da riuscire ad uccidere un draugr. Brava.
✿ Sul tema principale c'è poco da dire, non c'è una vera e propria caccia, noi li vediamo che seguono le tracce di questo cervo, nessun goblin li attacca mai e l'unico pericolo è rappresentato da creature esterne. Tutto questo poi viene annullato quando Soren dice che la caccia non dura mai oltre la luna piena perché il Permafrost si rompe le scatole e costringe il cervo ad avvicinarsi ai due goblin più potenti così da essere ucciso e decidere il prossimo re. Che senso ha allora creare alleanze e partire alla sua ricerca? Perché ai goblin piace ammazzare? È questo che vuoi sottolineare? Che gli piace uccidere per sport? A tutti tranne a Soren, ricordiamolo.
kleonard's review against another edition
1.0
A young woman with both goblin and human traits is captured, raped, and mutilated by goblins. Given to a nicer goblin, she develops Stockholm Syndrome and falls in love with her "master," who exploits the power inequality of their relationship by taking her as his lover and forcing her to help him fight to become the supreme ruler of the goblins. Psychologically very disturbing, this novel also reinforces the problematic tropes of light=good and dark=bad, that gender identity is chosen, and that adult women are always rivals with one another.
elllljayyyy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
This book was a little too dark and violent for my personal tastes--with lots of bloody battles and a traumatic rape/torture that I found really disturbing (which was the point). I wasn't sure about Soren as a love interest at first either, but he did end up growing on me. There were a few secondary characters in the second half of the book that added life to the story for me as well. And I really loved the ending! If you're a fan of very dark YA fantasy, this will probably be perfect for you.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
jane_kelsey's review against another edition
2.0
Not a bad book, I enjoyed it mostly and got halfway through but once I put it down I could not find the want to pick it back up again.
leannarapier's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was an engaging story. However, a few cautions worth noting: Janneke is captured by goblins at 17 and though she never physically ages, she is now well over 100 years. If you think about this too long, you realize that she doesn't act nearly as mature as you might expect. More or less she acts like she's still 17, plus a few learned survival skills. I find this odd. I'm sure it's because the story is meant to appeal to teens.
With that in mind, her relationship with a hundreds of years old goblin, Soren, that was her captor is iffy. Also, be aware there are a few f* and s* words, though not many. There is also a trauma memory of rape (not graphic) by Janneke's original goblin captor (not her current love interest). And there is off-page sex, and on-page fondling of breasts. It's not excessive, but I feel one should be aware of this considering it's located in the YA section of the library.
The author did include a trigger warning at the beginning of the novel, which I appreciate. Apparently, this novel was born out of the author’s unfortunate experiences in her youth.
With that in mind, her relationship with a hundreds of years old goblin, Soren, that was her captor is iffy. Also, be aware there are a few f* and s* words, though not many. There is also a trauma memory of rape (not graphic) by Janneke's original goblin captor (not her current love interest). And there is off-page sex, and on-page fondling of breasts. It's not excessive, but I feel one should be aware of this considering it's located in the YA section of the library.
The author did include a trigger warning at the beginning of the novel, which I appreciate. Apparently, this novel was born out of the author’s unfortunate experiences in her youth.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Rape