Reviews with content warning for Violence - The Girl the Sea Gave Back

4 ⭐ CW: Violence, descriptions of blood and corpses, war

The Girl the Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young is book two in the Sea and Sky duology. I loved this book just as much as Sky in the Deep. I just love Young's storytelling in general and love everything she writes.

This story picks up 13 years after the events in Sky in the Deep, although it isn't necessary to read that I'm order to read this book. We follow Halvard, who has since grown into a man and has been chosen as successor to the chieftan of the Nādhir (the new tribe of Riki and Aska combined). We watch as he struggles with having confidence in his leadership abilities. We also follow Tova, a Kyrr girl who lives with the Svell after washing up in their beach. She is covered in tattoos and can read the future in rune stones.

Tova and Halvard are connected, their fates woven together by the Spinners. We see Tova struggle with her identity, not remembering her family or why she was sent away and can't go home. The Svell despise her and treat her poorly, all except Gunther. I really felt for Tova, so isolated and alone. It broke my heart when she asked Halvard why the Nādhir weren't afraid of her and trying to kill her. Halvard must be protected at all costs.

I love themes on fate and how you can or can't change it. I found myself really hating the Svell and, of course, rooting for the underdog, as you do. I think I even cheered out loud at one point. This was also a fairly quick read, the pace was nice. I almost wish there was another book set in this world. If you love viking stories and badass women, definitely pick of the Sky and Sea series!

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This is a sequel novel to Sky in the Deep. Our favorite, lovable characters from the first book are back, but this time, set 10 years later. The story focuses on Halvard, now a strapping young man, and new character Tova, a woman from the strange, distant Kiera clan. We get to see some old characters, some new characters, and new battles. Young expands the universe she created for Sky in the Deep with new clans and gods, and gives some more information about past characters and their motivations.

Content Warnings