White Stag

Well THIS cover is gorg., and the book fills all those goblin-guilty-pleasures I have. There's action, fae, fantasy, and darkness, and Barbieri does a commendable job putting it all together. How was this released in 2016 and I, being the dark fantasy devourer I am, did not find it until beginning of 2021? Either way, glad I finally stumbled across this one. There's a lot going on, but the author constructs a well-written fantasy story.

After her entire village was killed, Janneke was taken by a goblin to be his thrall. After being raped, tortured, and disfigured, she was tossed to the goblin's nephew Soren. Luckily for her, he was not like his uncle Lydian. He made sure she was nursed back to health, and has taken care of her for years. She has been a thrall for 100 years to be exact.
When Soren is summoned to the Erlking (goblin king), he decides to take Janneke with him. Knowing that Lydian might be there, she is not excited to go. One hundred years is not enough to erase the torture she endured. At least now she's not weak. Soren saw to that.
While on their visit, the Erlking dies. Soon The Hunt will begin. Whoever gets the White Stag becomes the new Erlking. Janneke must help Soren win. Lydian cannot become Erlking. She will kill him or herself first.

This started out great, but went downhill. I lost interest fast. I didn't like the characters at all except for Soren. The world was not interesting, and I just didn't enjoy it much. It does have a beautiful cover though. I don't think I will continue the series.

I received a copy from Net Galley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.