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egurgens's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I really enjoyed this book! We get to know the main characters backstory a bit before any drastic really happens, which sets a good base for the main plot to develop. Definitely a great enemies-to-lovers book. Set in (Viking?) villages, there is a continuous war between the followers of two different gods. Every five years, the two sides fight in a particular field, fighting to avenge the blood feud declared between the two gods. Everything changes when an impossibility happens, and Eelyn finds herself surrounded by enemies, learning how to survive in a new way and path in life. A common enemy appears, pulling the two clans into a reluctant alliance.
There is SO much tension in this story, but it really keeps the reader engaged. The reader gets to watch as Eelyn struggles through her emotions and difficult situations, and enjoy watching her develop into the character we end up loving. There are definitely some difficult topics touched on, like the threat of sexual assault, violence, graphic violence, and lots of loss / grief.
There is SO much tension in this story, but it really keeps the reader engaged. The reader gets to watch as Eelyn struggles through her emotions and difficult situations, and enjoy watching her develop into the character we end up loving. There are definitely some difficult topics touched on, like the threat of sexual assault, violence, graphic violence, and lots of loss / grief.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Genocide, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Medical content, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexual harassment, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, War, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Abandonment, Animal cruelty, Child death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Trafficking, and Vomit
maryannsophia's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Just, wow. This book is intense, well-paced, and extremely unique for its immersive but simple and gritty world. The character development of Eelyn throughout the story is so natural. However, the story is not for the faint of heart. Violence, gore, torture, and some steamy romance make this book for mature, thoughtful, and redemptive readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, War, and Blood
Moderate: Slavery, Medical trauma, Injury/Injury detail, and Death
Minor: Abandonment
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
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