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marisabenn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
An amazing story of strength and resilience. I like how this didn't read like a YA because the characters are warriors and don't have time to act like teenagers. I don't even think their ages were mentioned, now that I think about it. I love being able to witness Eelyn and those around her grow and change. I wish there was a smidge more romance, but you're pretty limited when it comes to YA.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent and Grief
Minor: Animal death, Child death, and Sexual harassment
soundlysmitten's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
5.0
The story opens on the battlefield, where we find our heroine, Eelyn, and her people warring with a rival clan. Towards the close of the battle, Eelyn swears she catches a glimpse of her brother—who everyone has believed dead for the last five years—fighting with the other side. Determined to discover the truth, she ends up captured by the adversary. But Eelyn has no intention of living the remainder of her days as a slave.
From depictions of mysticism to accounts of the mundane, the world of Sky in the Deep is built with a sort of lyrical prose. The writing is very atmospheric, so you get a good sense of the setting. And the action is described in a way that’s easy to visualize.
While it’s frustrating to read about Eelyn being taken captive, her experience behind enemy lines is what makes the book. For it’s as she lives among the people she was raised to hate that her worldview is challenged and her prejudice is dismantled.
As far as leads go, I adored Eelyn. She’s a Katniss Everdeen type, a warrior with an indomitable spirit, but not without compassion. Aside from when she has to defend herself and other vulnerable individuals, Eelyn is merciful. She goes out of her way to help whoever she can. Even those who would not spare her any unkindness, let alone spare her life. And while the implications of the story go beyond Eelyn’s personal journey, she is the catalyst for greater change within their collective societies.
Eelyn’s love interest also plays an important part in this story. In the beginning, I simply thought of him as an infuriating brute, as did she. But eventually, the depths of his care are revealed. The tensions between the pair gradually shift from something of contemptuous mistrust to a denial of self. Their bond is one that grows quietly, unacknowledged till all bets are off.
I was especially moved by this novel’s exploration of family ties, whether born of blood, or forged through shared pain, loss, or heartbreak. But be forewarned… there’s a lot of all that, along with a fair share of violence and cruelty. What bothered me even more than the depictions of war was the demeaning experiences Eelyn’s forced to endure. I did have to gloss over some of those. So… I’d say check the content warnings before you pick up this book, but do consider picking it up!
From depictions of mysticism to accounts of the mundane, the world of Sky in the Deep is built with a sort of lyrical prose. The writing is very atmospheric, so you get a good sense of the setting. And the action is described in a way that’s easy to visualize.
While it’s frustrating to read about Eelyn being taken captive, her experience behind enemy lines is what makes the book. For it’s as she lives among the people she was raised to hate that her worldview is challenged and her prejudice is dismantled.
As far as leads go, I adored Eelyn. She’s a Katniss Everdeen type, a warrior with an indomitable spirit, but not without compassion. Aside from when she has to defend herself and other vulnerable individuals, Eelyn is merciful. She goes out of her way to help whoever she can. Even those who would not spare her any unkindness, let alone spare her life. And while the implications of the story go beyond Eelyn’s personal journey, she is the catalyst for greater change within their collective societies.
Eelyn’s love interest also plays an important part in this story. In the beginning, I simply thought of him as an infuriating brute, as did she. But eventually, the depths of his care are revealed. The tensions between the pair gradually shift from something of contemptuous mistrust to a denial of self. Their bond is one that grows quietly, unacknowledged till all bets are off.
I was especially moved by this novel’s exploration of family ties, whether born of blood, or forged through shared pain, loss, or heartbreak. But be forewarned… there’s a lot of all that, along with a fair share of violence and cruelty. What bothered me even more than the depictions of war was the demeaning experiences Eelyn’s forced to endure. I did have to gloss over some of those. So… I’d say check the content warnings before you pick up this book, but do consider picking it up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Confinement, Death, Gore, Grief, Kidnapping, Murder, Religious bigotry, Slavery, Violence, and War
Moderate: Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Torture
Minor: Abandonment, Animal death, and Suicidal thoughts
valpyre's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
[audiobook]
Honestly, I was pretty apprehensive going into this one because I had had an unfortunate streak of disappointing reads previously. I found the start a little slow and the chapters were a bit weirdly broken up in my opinion, but was won over by the feel of the setting and the worldbuilding. I personally really appreciated the details of battle and subsequent wounds that never really had a chance to heal, because it made the characters feel grounded and human, and actually affected actions in the story. I was also afraid that the romantic aspect of the book would take over the entire work, but was pleasantly surprised when it developed and enhanced the relationship between various characters. I felt like the romance was equal to the exploration of family and friendship dynamics in the book, which I really appreciated.
Honestly, I was pretty apprehensive going into this one because I had had an unfortunate streak of disappointing reads previously. I found the start a little slow and the chapters were a bit weirdly broken up in my opinion, but was won over by the feel of the setting and the worldbuilding. I personally really appreciated the details of battle and subsequent wounds that never really had a chance to heal, because it made the characters feel grounded and human, and actually affected actions in the story. I was also afraid that the romantic aspect of the book would take over the entire work, but was pleasantly surprised when it developed and enhanced the relationship between various characters. I felt like the romance was equal to the exploration of family and friendship dynamics in the book, which I really appreciated.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Violence, and Gore
Moderate: Death of parent
cranereader's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Death, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Slavery
Minor: Sexual assault and Animal death
loveat1stwrite's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Blood, Gore, and Violence
valyn_grebe's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Kidnapping, Medical content, Slavery, and Torture
Minor: Sexual assault, Animal death, Death of parent, Grief, Pregnancy, and Suicidal thoughts
eve_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Overall Thoughts:
⁕ The Viking world was so brutal, but totally believable. I was grateful that, despite being a YA read, Young didn’t shy away from the blood and gore.
⁕ I didn’t care for the major romantic relationship of the story, but the dynamics between Eelyn and her family members were so dramaful and juicy. Young did a great job building tension between Iri and Eelyn, especially.
⁕ Most of the book was super action-packed, but I felt that there was a slight lull after Eelyn got captured by the Riki. Some of the scenes depicting her doing chores for them felt repetitive and slow.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
⁕ The Viking world was so brutal, but totally believable. I was grateful that, despite being a YA read, Young didn’t shy away from the blood and gore.
⁕ I didn’t care for the major romantic relationship of the story, but the dynamics between Eelyn and her family members were so dramaful and juicy. Young did a great job building tension between Iri and Eelyn, especially.
⁕ Most of the book was super action-packed, but I felt that there was a slight lull after Eelyn got captured by the Riki. Some of the scenes depicting her doing chores for them felt repetitive and slow.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore
Moderate: Animal death, Sexual assault, Slavery, War, Animal cruelty, and Death
juliagulia's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The characters were tangible and the story simple and straight to the point. I am not usually too moved by familial love and heartache, but the writing pulled something in me, and I found that I cared deeply for Eelyn and her family (both blood and found). The story didn't sweep me off my feet, but it was a great one-day read with a complex, touching romance. *I did quite enjoy all of the axe wielding and strong female characters*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Animal death
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