Mae is craft born, something she never wanted, something she wishes she could be rid of. The realm of Aegunlund needs magic to survive. The king has been searching for the first-craft born to marry his son and bring magic back to the lands. The king's men come to Mae's village believing there is a girl there gifted with the craft, but they are not there for Mae. In process and small battle ensues and Mae's father is killed and the potential bride is kidnapped. She decides to venture into the woods to find her father's killer and the kidnapped girl. Thus beginning a her quest through the Waerg forest with her stag and the prince as her companion. She will face perils she never dreamed of, finds the meaning of being true to oneself and acceptance of her gift.
This is the first book in the White Hart series, and it is a well written beginning. It sets the stage for what's to come in the following books. She opens the book with Mae and her inner battle about her gift and slowly she comes to learn the truth behind it and what it means to accept it. The theme of accepting oneself is very strong in this novel and it is done very well. The novel ends perfectly as well leaving readers hungry for more. Dalton creates a main character that girls would want to emulate. She is one that is easy to relate to and see yourself as. She starts out strong and grows in strength. She is independent and doesn't have her primary focus being on a man. Sometimes it seems like Casimir is only there to help drive the story not as a romantic interest, and that is something that made me love this book. Too often novels try to make a romantic interest happen when it isn't needed. Dalton doesn't do that.
A lot of time we see magic in the form of fire, wind, ice, water, healing, electric or mind manipulation. In White Hart it is nature based, something I enjoyed seeing, something different from what I have read in the past. The story felt complete when I finished reading it, but knowing there is more to the series makes me want to see what will happen, where else will Dalton take this story. The possibilities seem endless at this point. It didn't feel predictable nor force fast. It felt like I was beside Mae as everything happened. I felt her emotions and actions throughout every scene.
This was a highly enjoyable read and I do recommend it to those who enjoy young adult novels. It will show young readers a strong female lead who finds strength in herself and knows when to ask other's for help. I will give this novel a 4 out of 5 rating. because I think more could have been done with Mae's magic.
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