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c_harb's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
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? No
3.5
keishamae85's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
Book 2 was better than book 1. Even though the beginning was kind of confusing it see how it was connected to book 1 it quickly remedied that issue.
mannybeen's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? No
3.75
michely66's review against another edition
4.0
In my opinion, I felt as if this book wasn’t as good as the first one, but I enjoyed the second half of it. I just couldn’t get into the first half, but I loved how it all came together and ended!
sunshine169's review against another edition
3.0
I went into this book without having read Sky in the Deep. So I went to try it and it just didn't grab me.
The Girl the Sea Gave Back struggled to get my attention for a little more than half the book but kept me entertained afterwards. I would love to read more about Tova and Halvard. Their interactions and connection is what made his book interesting.
Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for an e-arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The Girl the Sea Gave Back struggled to get my attention for a little more than half the book but kept me entertained afterwards. I would love to read more about Tova and Halvard. Their interactions and connection is what made his book interesting.
Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for an e-arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
thelibraryofklee's review against another edition
5.0
"They weren’t afraid of battle. They were afraid of losing what they loved. And that’s what made them brave in battle."
I am OBSESSED! Please tell me there are more stories in this Vikingish-universe to tell?!? I NEED more. I was absolutely enamoured with Sky in the Deep so it was a no brainer to buy this book, which sits in the same amazing world and is a fantabulous companion novel.
Tova is found, just 6 years old, by a Svell Tala, alone on a half burnt boat. The Svell use her for her ability to foresee the future, while treating her beyond dreadfully. Tova casts her runes to guide the people who fear her, with little other options, as her memories of life before the boat are a foggy mystery. Her runes foretell disaster, but is it set in stone? This novel delves into what it means to belong and the complexity of fate.
I don't want to give too much away because I really want people to enjoy the link between these books without spoilers. The primary characters are divine (it is very character driven); the POV swapping between two protagonists is one of my favourite styles. It might be a bit slow paced for some, but I found it perfectly timed. The violence is brutal and unforgiving - the battle scene at the end is an edge-of-your-seat experience.
Highly recommend to anyone who is a fan of mysterious, historical, mythological tales.
I am OBSESSED! Please tell me there are more stories in this Vikingish-universe to tell?!? I NEED more. I was absolutely enamoured with Sky in the Deep so it was a no brainer to buy this book, which sits in the same amazing world and is a fantabulous companion novel.
Tova is found, just 6 years old, by a Svell Tala, alone on a half burnt boat. The Svell use her for her ability to foresee the future, while treating her beyond dreadfully. Tova casts her runes to guide the people who fear her, with little other options, as her memories of life before the boat are a foggy mystery. Her runes foretell disaster, but is it set in stone? This novel delves into what it means to belong and the complexity of fate.
I don't want to give too much away because I really want people to enjoy the link between these books without spoilers. The primary characters are divine (it is very character driven); the POV swapping between two protagonists is one of my favourite styles. It might be a bit slow paced for some, but I found it perfectly timed. The violence is brutal and unforgiving - the battle scene at the end is an edge-of-your-seat experience.
Highly recommend to anyone who is a fan of mysterious, historical, mythological tales.
amym84's review against another edition
4.0
3.5
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
Ten years ago, the Riki and Aska clans united to defeat their common enemy the Herja. The clans remain united, calling themselves the Nadhir. Peace, always tentative, is on the verge of breaking as tensions rise between the Nadhir and the Svell. Heir to the clan chieftain, Halvard is amongst the first generation to grow up without constant blood and death among their people. He’s loath to lead his brethren on a path that will bring back the fighting and revenge. But he will do everything he can to ensure the survival of his clan.
Tova has lived among the Svell since she was a child. Her life before that is foggy, but the symbols and pictures on her body mark her as a Kyrr. Most notably, the open eye at her chest indicates Tova is a Truthtongue; someone who casts the runes to predict the future. All her life Tova has been used for her powers, but also equally used as a scapegoat when things don’t turn out the way the leaders want. Her casting the runes will set the Svell on a path of war, death, and destruction, and will put Tova right in Halvard’s path.
For those who don’t make the connection going in, Halvard is the younger brother to Fiske from Sky in the Deep. Honestly, it took me a bit to put it together, but it really doesn’t matter. The Girl the Sea Gave Back reads really well entirely on its own, but if you have read Sky in the Deep (recommended) then it’s also nice to have that context in place.
As a comparison between the two companion books, Sky and Girl read like entire opposites in terms of pacing and characterization. When looking back, I actually love the connection that it brings up between where the clan was ten years ago (fighting, dying) with where they are now (living, peace). Both books represent really well the mindset in which we find our characters/world. I loved Sky’s fast-paced fierce brutality. But I understand Girl’s hesitance to go back in that direction again.
There’s a lot of contemplation about fate and whether or not it’s an unmoving force or a movable object. There’s a lot of circling that happens throughout the book and it can feel a bit repetitive, but somehow, with Adrienne Young’s brilliant writing, the story moves steadfastly forward.
I would have loved more interactions between Halvard and Tova. What little there is wasn’t as satisfying for me as Fiske and Eelyn’s interactions in Sky. But Halvard and Tova each occupy their own space. Halvard in the task of leading his people into potential slaughter, and Tova with figuring out where she comes from and what part her path plays in the future of the Svell and Nadhir. I enjoyed the fact that Halvard and Tova circle around each so much throughout the story, but when they finally do come together I really wanted more depth as it’s clear they’re connected on some kind of almost spiritual level.
While The Girl the Sea Gave Back didn’t resonate with me as much as Sky in the Deep I still found it to be a worthy companion novel. Be prepared for the differences, but also try to go with the flow of what the novel is supposed to represent and I think you’ll enjoy it.
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
Ten years ago, the Riki and Aska clans united to defeat their common enemy the Herja. The clans remain united, calling themselves the Nadhir. Peace, always tentative, is on the verge of breaking as tensions rise between the Nadhir and the Svell. Heir to the clan chieftain, Halvard is amongst the first generation to grow up without constant blood and death among their people. He’s loath to lead his brethren on a path that will bring back the fighting and revenge. But he will do everything he can to ensure the survival of his clan.
Tova has lived among the Svell since she was a child. Her life before that is foggy, but the symbols and pictures on her body mark her as a Kyrr. Most notably, the open eye at her chest indicates Tova is a Truthtongue; someone who casts the runes to predict the future. All her life Tova has been used for her powers, but also equally used as a scapegoat when things don’t turn out the way the leaders want. Her casting the runes will set the Svell on a path of war, death, and destruction, and will put Tova right in Halvard’s path.
For those who don’t make the connection going in, Halvard is the younger brother to Fiske from Sky in the Deep. Honestly, it took me a bit to put it together, but it really doesn’t matter. The Girl the Sea Gave Back reads really well entirely on its own, but if you have read Sky in the Deep (recommended) then it’s also nice to have that context in place.
As a comparison between the two companion books, Sky and Girl read like entire opposites in terms of pacing and characterization. When looking back, I actually love the connection that it brings up between where the clan was ten years ago (fighting, dying) with where they are now (living, peace). Both books represent really well the mindset in which we find our characters/world. I loved Sky’s fast-paced fierce brutality. But I understand Girl’s hesitance to go back in that direction again.
There’s a lot of contemplation about fate and whether or not it’s an unmoving force or a movable object. There’s a lot of circling that happens throughout the book and it can feel a bit repetitive, but somehow, with Adrienne Young’s brilliant writing, the story moves steadfastly forward.
I would have loved more interactions between Halvard and Tova. What little there is wasn’t as satisfying for me as Fiske and Eelyn’s interactions in Sky. But Halvard and Tova each occupy their own space. Halvard in the task of leading his people into potential slaughter, and Tova with figuring out where she comes from and what part her path plays in the future of the Svell and Nadhir. I enjoyed the fact that Halvard and Tova circle around each so much throughout the story, but when they finally do come together I really wanted more depth as it’s clear they’re connected on some kind of almost spiritual level.
While The Girl the Sea Gave Back didn’t resonate with me as much as Sky in the Deep I still found it to be a worthy companion novel. Be prepared for the differences, but also try to go with the flow of what the novel is supposed to represent and I think you’ll enjoy it.
virginia__jane's review against another edition
5.0
One thousand stars!!! A riveting tale from start to finish. Adrienne's flowing language grips you by the lapels and pulls you head-first into the intense world she's created. You can feel, smell, and hear every part of this world; each clan has their own unique life and story. I want to sink into the rich histories of these peoples and their gods and families and lives.
bencpress's review against another edition
4.75
Scoring:
Finished - 1
Writing Style - 1
Plot - 1
Characters - 1
Bonus - .75
Total - 4.75