The Deer King by Ben Spencer is the first in a series of novellas by the same name and is set in a fictional land reminiscent of colonial times. I found myself drawn to the setting. The author gives a complete view of through the characters, how they’re dressed, how they interact, and the differences in their behavior according to setting. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read in a novella. It is packed full of customs and culture created specifically for the series.

What I Liked
As previously mentioned, I really enjoyed the world-building. For a novella, Spencer gives a fully thought-out and fleshed-out world. I felt I could touch the trees, feel the biting cold, and breathe deeply of the mountain air.

A majority of the story is told from Emmaline Rain’s point of view. Emmaline is only thirteen when her father is killed by a priest of the Bronze Titan when he fails to fulfill his duty as a Stoneman. Emmaline, having only just learned what her father did as a Stoneman, is both horrified and determined to fulfill his duty. What that duty is though is to kill the Deer King, the neighboring tribes’ reincarnated god. Y’all that is putting it lightly. This girl has to go kill a baby. Naturally she fights the inclination, she tries to forget who and what she is, but dreams haunt her til she has no choice.

Where I Wanted More
While the setting of The Deer King is fantastic and haunting, the plot leaves a lot to be desired. It seems pretty straightforward. Emmaline is going to kill the reincarnated god her father failed to kill. However it isn’t that easy and the plot drags until the climax, then it just ends. There’s not really any closure for the characters. Now don’t get me wrong. I know this is a series and series a lot of the times end with cliffhangers. This isn’t that. It just ends. I’m not sure how I feel about that yet….

My Final Thoughts
Overall The Deer King was an okay read for me. I wasn’t blown away by the plot. Emmaline fell flat to me with little clarity on her actions or feelings. She was almost robotic in her actions at times. However the world-building is amazing. I loved the different cultures and customs Emmaline encounters during her journey. In all fairness, I believe this was a case of “It’s not you, it’s me.” This is not my normal read, and I found myself drifting and not focusing on the story when it is well-written, just not for me. If you enjoy historical fantasy, I think this is a book you will want to add to your shelves.