What do you think?
Rate this book
The Deer King #1
The Deer King
When a Deer King is born, nations tremble.
Emmaline Rain’s father is the Stoneman. His responsibility: travel into Massaporan lands and end the life of the reincarnated Massaporan deity—the Deer King—the instant he is born. But when he fails in this task, the delicate equilibrium between Emmaline’s people and the Massaporans is disturbed. It seems likely that the violence of the past will be renewed.
Emmaline’s father is soon murdered by a priest of the Bronze Titan for his shortcomings. Newly orphaned, Emmaline absconds with the Saving Stone in the hopes of finding the Deer King and completing her father’s work. But when she comes face-to-face with the Deer King, she realizes that relations between her people and the Massaporans are more complicated than she has been led to believe.
The Deer King is the first in a planned series of fantasy novellas set in Dreyland, a colonial world where the indigenous people rely on the strength of a reincarnated god to help them offset the technological superiority of the settlers.
Emmaline Rain’s father is the Stoneman. His responsibility: travel into Massaporan lands and end the life of the reincarnated Massaporan deity—the Deer King—the instant he is born. But when he fails in this task, the delicate equilibrium between Emmaline’s people and the Massaporans is disturbed. It seems likely that the violence of the past will be renewed.
Emmaline’s father is soon murdered by a priest of the Bronze Titan for his shortcomings. Newly orphaned, Emmaline absconds with the Saving Stone in the hopes of finding the Deer King and completing her father’s work. But when she comes face-to-face with the Deer King, she realizes that relations between her people and the Massaporans are more complicated than she has been led to believe.
The Deer King is the first in a planned series of fantasy novellas set in Dreyland, a colonial world where the indigenous people rely on the strength of a reincarnated god to help them offset the technological superiority of the settlers.
77 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2018
18 people are currently reading
930 people want to read
About the author
Ben Spencer
8 books84 followersBen Spencer is the author of The Prophecy of the Yubriy Tree, Book One in the The Song of the Burning Heart universe. Ben writes character-driven fantasy full of style and heart.
Ben's fiction has appeared in Literary Orphans, Corner Bar Magazine, and Scholars & Rogues. He has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Please visit his newsletter at benspencer.substack.com and/or his website, benspencerwrites.com for more information.
Ben's fiction has appeared in Literary Orphans, Corner Bar Magazine, and Scholars & Rogues. He has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Please visit his newsletter at benspencer.substack.com and/or his website, benspencerwrites.com for more information.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 2, 2018
This one was a surprise. I had NO idea what to expect with the Deer King. I live in the crime community, so I was vaguely expecting something along those lines. I was glad I got something wildly different. There's a touch of Lord of the Rings, a little of The Dark Materials, melted inside a bildungsroman ... with a liberal dose of fairy tale. But that description doesn't do Spencer's book justice. Told straightforward, free of pretense, this story about a young girl named Emmaline is ultimately about finding a place to belong and fulfilling a destiny. Well-paced, -written and engrossing as it tackles some weighty themes without feeling didactic.
May 3, 2019
Disclaimer: I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
This little fantasy book was a pure joy to read.
Fast paced and well written, the pages flew by as I became lost in the story.
Excited to see where this series goes next.
This little fantasy book was a pure joy to read.
Fast paced and well written, the pages flew by as I became lost in the story.
Excited to see where this series goes next.
July 3, 2018
I had so much fun reading this. It's fast-paced, exciting, and so rich! The world Ben Spencer shows us is teeming with life, and I can't wait for the next installments.
In every sense of the word, this series is going to be epic.
In every sense of the word, this series is going to be epic.
November 1, 2018
First off, I love the cover for this book. It puts me instantly in mind of back bottom shelves of the library. The smell of old books and coffee. Pages yellowed with time. I can "feel" that book in my mind. That's a wonderful place for a book to take you, especially when it happens to be in e-book format, so I had very high hopes for the story contained within.
Once diving in, The Deer King did not disappoint. I was instantly whisked up out of my house and into Emmaline's world. Her story begins with watching her father leave. An odd place for a novella to start; The leaving. As we watch and wait with Emmaline, we soon learn why Brutus Rain leaves in the middle of the night, in all kinds of weather. One day, he takes her brother into his secrecy and one day, her father returns without him. The truth then unfolds and thus begins Emmaline's trials.
Read more at Cats Luv Coffee
Once diving in, The Deer King did not disappoint. I was instantly whisked up out of my house and into Emmaline's world. Her story begins with watching her father leave. An odd place for a novella to start; The leaving. As we watch and wait with Emmaline, we soon learn why Brutus Rain leaves in the middle of the night, in all kinds of weather. One day, he takes her brother into his secrecy and one day, her father returns without him. The truth then unfolds and thus begins Emmaline's trials.
Read more at Cats Luv Coffee
September 28, 2019
I was really interested in this at the start, but I started to get really lost. Not my thing.
May 19, 2018
Ben Spencer finds some interesting space to occupy with this novella, halfway between James Fenimore Cooper and J.R.R. Tolkien, where fantastical elements intermingle with historical-feeling ones taken from some earlier era of colonial occupation and displaced natives. It's no easy work to create a world, but Spencer paints his well. Within the limits of his canvas, the action flows steadily and holds the reader's attention. The writing is accessible and suited for a YA audience as well as adults. I'll be waiting for Novella Two of this series to find out what happens to the young heroine, Emmaline.
October 5, 2024
Addicting!
This story is thoroughly addicting, I am going to immediately start the second novella. What amazing world building and character depth in such a small amount of pages. I can’t wait to start the next one! 5/5 from me. Well done Ben Spencer.
This story is thoroughly addicting, I am going to immediately start the second novella. What amazing world building and character depth in such a small amount of pages. I can’t wait to start the next one! 5/5 from me. Well done Ben Spencer.
July 6, 2018
This book was a delight! It's been a while since I've picked up fantasy, and the telling of this story is so stunning. The cadence felt like a fairy tale with occasional piercing glimpses into human nature. Gorgeous. The beginning gives a portrait of a family that is so darling, but the daughter knows there is a secret her father is keeping from her. That secret hooked me immediately---I needed to KNOW what was happening with the family!---and the reveal propels the rest of this novella. Over Emmaline's journey we meet other families, a monstrous "priest", a Raven Queen who casts spells, and old friends. The short length allowed the plot to move forward very quickly, lending itself to that fairy tale tone. It was so easy to follow, despite many characters introduced in a short span of time. The world building was wonderful. I'm so interested in the religious conflict of the two territories: a pagan-inspired religion versus what seem to be demon-worshippers. But it's not so simple as that, and I'm sure we'll learn more in the next installment.
October 12, 2018
First of all, I will say that I'm not a big Fantasy genre fan. However, I was pleasantly surprised with The Deer King. It is an easy read and pretty fast paced given how short the book is overall. The protagonist (Emmaline Rain) is easy to relate to and sympathize with. Knowing this is the first short novel in a series, the author sets up future story lines well, and you can see the current, as well as coming, conflict between a society that sees itself as civilized versus a people that are viewed as primitive. The author does a great job in a short space of developing the characters pertinent to the story line and setting up key characters to watch as the story develops in future installments. I'm hoping future installments dig a little deeper into the societies themselves and provides a little more background to each side, how their perspectives developed, and what led to the conflict between them. This is the one missing piece from The Deer King, but it also provides some of the intrigue and excitement for the next novella.
February 17, 2019
-I was going to post a review much earlier but life happened-
I received a copy of The Deer King from a LibraryThing giveaway on January 31st.
What attracted me to The Deer King was its title. It immediately made me think of mythology. Reading the description it sounded a bit more violent than what I usually read. I'm so, so happy I gave it a chance.
By page seven it had already exceeded my expectations. All the characters feel real, the world-building and plot twists are amazing (and made me realize how much I need to work on both in my own stories), and the pacing is perfect.
This is the best book I've read in quite a while, and the first in a long time (if not the first) that I've been unable to put down.
I do plan on recommending the series to my brother, but I'm going to wait until more books are out because I'll probably hear "is the next book out yet? Is the next book out yet?" everyday for months.
I received a copy of The Deer King from a LibraryThing giveaway on January 31st.
What attracted me to The Deer King was its title. It immediately made me think of mythology. Reading the description it sounded a bit more violent than what I usually read. I'm so, so happy I gave it a chance.
By page seven it had already exceeded my expectations. All the characters feel real, the world-building and plot twists are amazing (and made me realize how much I need to work on both in my own stories), and the pacing is perfect.
This is the best book I've read in quite a while, and the first in a long time (if not the first) that I've been unable to put down.
I do plan on recommending the series to my brother, but I'm going to wait until more books are out because I'll probably hear "is the next book out yet? Is the next book out yet?" everyday for months.
May 8, 2019
When I began this novella, I didn't know what to think: it was just another book I had won in a giveaway. I didn't expect to be blown away and in such a brief work; I rarely give out five stars, but this piece of work deserves every single one of them. The grammar, pacing, characters, story/plot, and everything else are brilliantly deployed. I cannot wait to read the next novella (I will definitely be ordering a physical copy soon) and the others in this series; I cannot wait to find out more about Emmaline and the Deer King. Ben Spencer is a wonderful author and I look forward to this series and other works in the future.
Also, I just wanted to add that in a lot of ways this reminds me of Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Wizard of Earthsea" in terms of atmosphere and adventure. Immensely enjoyed it!
Also, I just wanted to add that in a lot of ways this reminds me of Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Wizard of Earthsea" in terms of atmosphere and adventure. Immensely enjoyed it!
July 6, 2018
Fantasy is not a genre I gravitate towards. In fact, my wife is verbally reading the Harry Potter series to me so we can have her books to discuss. So I was a little skeptical at first when confronted with an advanced copy of The Deer King: Novella One. Mr Spencer, in a few short pages, introduces us to several well-rounded characters where loyalties are sewn and motivations are fleshed out. There is a well-curated sense of space in the story that had me constantly checking the map at the front of the novella to see the relationships of not only the characters, but the homes which they represent as well. The series is being set up to where I can see protagonists becoming antagonists and vice-versa. I wait impatiently for the next installment. Next time, I'll pay!
April 5, 2019
What an amazing story.
I read this in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. It is really something special. I read probably a book every 10 days and this is one of my favourite reads this year. The Novella approach to telling the story is a bit disconcerting because the story ends when you are fully engrossed in plot and wanting more. Murderbot novella series does the same and was nominated for Hugo and other awards. This first edition is as good a story that I have read and will likely become wildly popular but take word of mouth so it will take longer. Much like what happened with hunger games trilogy. Word of advice to author don't sell movie rights cheap like author of hunger games did before her books became huge but like this is bound to become over time.
I read this in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. It is really something special. I read probably a book every 10 days and this is one of my favourite reads this year. The Novella approach to telling the story is a bit disconcerting because the story ends when you are fully engrossed in plot and wanting more. Murderbot novella series does the same and was nominated for Hugo and other awards. This first edition is as good a story that I have read and will likely become wildly popular but take word of mouth so it will take longer. Much like what happened with hunger games trilogy. Word of advice to author don't sell movie rights cheap like author of hunger games did before her books became huge but like this is bound to become over time.
August 16, 2018
Following the death of her father and brother, a girl runs away with a magic stone.
This is an atmospheric and very well written fantasy novella, the only downside being it’s rather short and ends without much resolution. It really reads like the first third of a more substantial novel, but what’s here is nevertheless enjoyable and well worth reading.
The story follows Emmaline, whose father has a mysterious job involving a magic stone. She discovers the truth only when things go horribly wrong and her brother is killed. Then a priest turns up to recover the magic stone. He kills her father, she tries to kill the priest, and then flees with the stone. Journeying into the land of their ancestral enemies, she learns more of the reincarnated god: the Deer King, of magic and history.
This is an atmospheric and very well written fantasy novella, the only downside being it’s rather short and ends without much resolution. It really reads like the first third of a more substantial novel, but what’s here is nevertheless enjoyable and well worth reading.
The story follows Emmaline, whose father has a mysterious job involving a magic stone. She discovers the truth only when things go horribly wrong and her brother is killed. Then a priest turns up to recover the magic stone. He kills her father, she tries to kill the priest, and then flees with the stone. Journeying into the land of their ancestral enemies, she learns more of the reincarnated god: the Deer King, of magic and history.
November 12, 2018
Interesting read
The Deer King is a well told story by Ben Spencer. This is the first read of Spencer's that I've had the honor of reading. Spencer is very detailed in the story telling, making the reader feel a part of the story. Emmaline is a great character, and has a lot of depth to her. The story starts out by hooking the reader, and Spencer does a service by keeping the reader's intention. It's a great story that hopefully leads to others, as I look forward to reading more of Spencer's work.
The Deer King is a well told story by Ben Spencer. This is the first read of Spencer's that I've had the honor of reading. Spencer is very detailed in the story telling, making the reader feel a part of the story. Emmaline is a great character, and has a lot of depth to her. The story starts out by hooking the reader, and Spencer does a service by keeping the reader's intention. It's a great story that hopefully leads to others, as I look forward to reading more of Spencer's work.
February 16, 2019
I received this book for free. What a great short story! It's about a girl who's father kills the Deer Kings to prevent a war from breaking out and everyone getting killed. Things spiral out of control and the girl is now torn between her family's duties and whether the current Deer King should die. Loved all the characters. Great ending.
February 11, 2023
I definitely went into this expecting horror, as that is the section I found it in, and as someone who is not typically a fantasy fan, this wasn’t necessarily for me. Did I enjoy it? Yes! I actually really did. Will I be continuing the series? I’m unsure. That is for future me to decide. A great book nonetheless!
January 8, 2021
Loved it. Can’t wait for the other two novellas to arrive in my mailbox :)
July 28, 2018
This was not the typical long novel I'm used to associating with the fantasy genre, yet Spencer's story did not fail to thoroughly paint a new world with unique wonders, cultures, and characters to become invested in. The author is clearly talented and I especially appreciated how in just a few words, he could often illustrate feelings and emotions I immediately identified with but have never known a way to describe before.
The story took the reader on an enticing adventure full of heartbreak and triumph, and often presents complex situations that leaves one unsure of what the correct action would be. There is plenty of reason to anticipate the new novellas, between the suspense of what is to come and the unanswered questions about the history of the conflict. The author’s notes promise to explore the world’s history in books to come. I’m greatly look forward to their releases to answer my curiosities and theories. Consider me hooked!
The story took the reader on an enticing adventure full of heartbreak and triumph, and often presents complex situations that leaves one unsure of what the correct action would be. There is plenty of reason to anticipate the new novellas, between the suspense of what is to come and the unanswered questions about the history of the conflict. The author’s notes promise to explore the world’s history in books to come. I’m greatly look forward to their releases to answer my curiosities and theories. Consider me hooked!
January 13, 2022
This was a magnificent read - enjoyed every single page. Just the right balance of world-building without becoming bogged down, interesting characters, twists and turns; everything I wanted in a fantasy novella. Looking forward to reading volume 2!
May 16, 2019
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.
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.
October 6, 2019
Wonderful read
The Deer King is an enthralling story. I was sad when this story ended. Please write more novellas about the Deer king.
The Deer King is an enthralling story. I was sad when this story ended. Please write more novellas about the Deer king.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews