A review by megyeager
The Girl the Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young

adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Though many parts of this book hit the notes I was looking for: viking-esque magic, warring clans, and a girl at the center, it missed the mark in so many other ways that I found it bordering on unenjoyable. The first gripe I had with this book was that it was part of a larger series, but the book itself gave no indication of that fact. Because of this, I was often left with questions about the world-building that were likely answered in the previous book.
The lack of any real explanation on why these two clans are going to war aside from "one is getting too powerful and we want to be the most powerful" was yet another reason why this book was so frustrating. However, the thing that really bothered me was the climax/resolution that felt so incomplete. The main characters had met 3 times total and already wanted to spend their lives together? Two of the times they met they were trying to murder each other but now they're in love? They had no time to develop into a couple the audience could root for, the only connection they had were the runes and that wasn't enough for me. 
Overall, I felt like if this book had been given a chance to expand and spend more time developing the characters and the relationship between the two leads, the novel could pass for new adult and reach a different audience entirely.
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