Scan barcode
busybookreporter's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Spoiler-Free Review:
I’m not sure why so long to read this book, but I’m thinking it was meant to be. Being back in this world with this culture was like getting a warm hug. I adore this world and the characters that Adrienne Young created for this series! This book takes place 10 years after the events of Sky in the Deep, and it follows the journey of Halvard (Fiske’s brother) and Tova a woman from another clan. We do get to see some familiar faces from Sky in the Deep. I am a reader who loves closure, and so I love that we got a bit more on where the characters from the previous book ended up. The adventure in this book was just so well written. My heart was pounding for so many chapters. The detail and imagery that Adrienne Young writes with is unreal. I felt so present in the story and I love that. I took off one star because I craved more connection between the two main characters. They finally have a moment and then the book ended. I wanted a little more closure from them. Maybe an epilogue? The reader can assume where the story goes but I wanted to read it. Overall I loved this book and it was comforting to be immersed in their world for the second time this month. This book is pretty firmly YA there is violence and some “gore.”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Death, and Gore
librarianlayla's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This is a fast paced viking inspired story, that is action packed from start to finish.
If you enjoy stories with little dialogue, lots of inner monologue and even more action - then this will be perfect for you.
I wanted more from the characters, I felt that it read really well if it were to be adapted for screen. I didn't really feel anything for any of the characters. I think the first book was better with regards to character development and storyline. I found this one predictable and didn't contain as much to it as I wanted.
It is a quick and easy read and for those who are looking for books that have minimal romance in, this will be perfect for that as there is basically none. It's a lot of action and travelling.
If you enjoy stories with little dialogue, lots of inner monologue and even more action - then this will be perfect for you.
I wanted more from the characters, I felt that it read really well if it were to be adapted for screen. I didn't really feel anything for any of the characters. I think the first book was better with regards to character development and storyline. I found this one predictable and didn't contain as much to it as I wanted.
It is a quick and easy read and for those who are looking for books that have minimal romance in, this will be perfect for that as there is basically none. It's a lot of action and travelling.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Death, Genocide, Murder, and War
queer_bookwyrm's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
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? No
4.0
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!
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!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Blood, and War
egurgens's review against another edition
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
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Death of parent, Death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Genocide, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Murder, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Violence, and War
katy_leigh's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
slow-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
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Blood, Child death, Death of parent, and Death
valyn_grebe's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Death, Death of parent, and Violence
Minor: Alcohol, Animal death, Child death, Drug use, Grief, Kidnapping, and Medical content
ellen_is_okay's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Violence
More...