This is not my typical read, a sort of Viking book, so historical YA fiction. But there's just something about it that sucks you in. There isn't a lot of twists and turns, and while there is action, that's not at the heart of it. The heart of it is the characters and the slow burn romance and also family dynamics that really give it depth. Some of the tropes are so obvious that it is a bit distracting (two sides coming together against a common enemy), but other than that, it's undeniably riveting. Overall, a great read especially if you want to try something different.

I read this book really quickly when I probably should have been doing other things (like working), so that alone is a testament to how good it was. It sucked me in with the opening battle scene, which was brutal and worthy of a Viking fantasy. However, my favorite part about this book was the family relationships that continually drove and complicated character's actions. The MC's father was perhaps my favorite character even though he only gets a little time on the page. Highly recommend.

You guys, I think I’m now a huge Vikings fanatic. Sky In the Deep is an action-packed novel that rapidly twists its audience into clan rivalry, familial disputes, and bloody fight scenes. From the very beginning, the main character, Eelyn, is blindsided by the vision of seeing her thought-to-be dead brother fighting against her own clansman. From there, the reader is pushed into a world of sharpened axes, the bitter chill of winter, and the journey that explores hope, love, and the stubborn traditions of different Viking clans.

Sky In the Deep is more than brutal and bloody fight scenes. It’s a novel that explores the themes of honor, family, and sacrifice. The characters are thrown into complicated situations that make the characters over contemplate their traditions, beliefs, the meaning of family, and their hearts. This book is a constant page-turner (I finished the book in the matter of hours–I could not but it down) and will tug at your heartstrings.

Overall, Sky In the Deep is a raw and gritty novel that will bite at your fingertips and nip at your heart. I love that this fantasy novel incorporated mystery, history, and a slow-burn romance. Eelyn is a fierce fighter physically and emotionally. Even though she is so bold and stubborn, I was engrossed in her ability to allow herself to be open-minded to a new world that may change everything she believed in.

This book opens on a truly dramatic note , taking us immediately into a battle scene, where we first meet our heroine, Eelyn , who at seventeen is a warrior,fighting for her people, the Aska, against their bitter enemies the Riki. However the world she thinks she knows comes crashing down around her on the battlefield when she sees someone shocking fighting alongside her enemy,
Soon she will experience life among the enemy herself, and will learn that underneath it all these people are not so very different from her own, and when she finds herself drawn towards a Riki warrior, she faces some very tough decisions.
The action packed beginning did taper off a little, leading to a much slower pace for the middle section of the book. This did give us a chance to learn more about the characters , and the way of life among these tribes, and when the bitter rivals are faced with a common enemy, the difficulties Eelyn encounters in encouraging them to work together felt very realistic. I did feel that we really didn't get to the heart of these characters, especially those like Eely's father, and her Aska warrior companion, so I felt like I really wanted to know more about them, and what made them act the way they did.
Overall a strong ,dramatic read , and I really liked the willingness of the author to face up to the blood, gore and pain that comes with the battlefield. Eely, is a strong and determined character, and really drives the book as a whole, her struggles and refusal to give up kept me coming back to the book for more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing me a copy to review.

Okay, I think that I am going through a really weird reading slump because anything that I have been reading hasn't been that good. Like this morning, I was reading the excerpt of ACOFAS and I was like, meh, this is okay when usually I am fangirling really hard. So I think that that might be affecting my thoughts on this book as I was really excited for it. Then I read it and I was underwhelmed but I didn't absolutely hate it.

This book embodies one of my favorite quotes. I am paraphrasing because I don't have An Ember in the Ashes with me, but there was this one scene with Eilas and he said something to the tune of "A General's worst fear is when he realizes his enemy is human." I think that this perfectly describes the book as this is what happens. When Eelyn is taken she, of course, goes fighting as that is who she is and she is expecting the worst from the Riki and Fiske's family. Then she realizes that they are just like her family and her village.

I did enjoy the characters. I LOVED Eelyn's character arc and how she came to love her new self. For the other characters, Iri (Eelyn's brother) and Fiske (Eelyn's captor) I really did ship these characters as I thought that they worked so well together, but in the book, it is just one awesome bromance. The ship of Fiske and Eelyn is a definite NOTP for me. I just don't dig that much but that could just be because my real ship wasn't being acknowledged but truly I was just not that into. There was one scene where Fiske was like "You belong to me and I belong to you." Which is cute but literally she is your dyr, or slave, so technically do you own her. And again I am all for realizing your enemy is human but to fall for the person who forcefully takes you isn't something I am really into. I think I would have enjoyed this book more if there was no romance in it, period. 

The pace of the plot was the most underwhelming part of this book. It wasn't gripping to me as this was probably due to the reading slump. The eARC that I received was only 280 pages which should not have taken me 9 days to read. Also, I was mostly limited to reading this before bed and I kept falling asleep, which is evident as to how tired I am but also when I want to read a book there is nothing that can stop and I was not feeling that this time. The book did move, as in there was lots of action, there was a lot that went down in those pages as the book is basically a stand-alone but there is a companion novel that is coming out in 2019.

So do I recommend this book?

Yes, I think that it is a worthwhile read as it is unique (there are not that many Viking novels out there) and the story of discovering your enemy's humanity, as well as the Eelyn's character arc are worth it. Maybe you want to get it from the library if you aren't sure if you are going to be super impressed with it. However, the hardcover has Breath Fire stamped on the front and it is insanely beautiful and I can't wait to add it to my collection.

Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young is a standalone YA Fantasy novel. The story starts out in the chaos of a bloody battle between Aska clan and the Riki clan. Eelyn, a fierce woman warrior, is fighting for her Aska clan against their sworn enemies. That is until she sees her dead brother across the battlefield, fighting for the other side. Her shock ends up getting her captured by the Riki and as she lives among them she learns that perhaps there is more in common between these warring clans than she ever imagined, including an enemy that they both share who is more bloodthirsty and brutal than either of their clans.

For a book that starts out in battle and blood a surprisingly large amount of the story is spent on their everyday lives in between. Eelyn's relationship with Fiske, her brother's Riki friend, grows during this time and it is that relationship that makes the book complex. Each of these characters is presented as a whole, already complete character, but one that will adapt, mold and change as preconceived notions are leeched away.

Overall, Adrienne Young creates a story in Sky in the Deep that is presented in a different way than I expected. The writing, imagery and characters all stood out. I felt a bit out of sorts at the beginning but as the pages turned the story grabs a hold and pulls you into Eelyn and Fiske's world.

(I voluntarily reviewed an advance review copy of this book I received for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)

Sky in the Deep is Adrienne Young’s debut novel and it’s a Viking-inspired tale filled with intense battle scenes, badass characters, and great world-building.

Adrienne Young can really write. Right from the very beginning, you are immersed in an action-packed and detailed novel combined with poetic writing that seems to come alive on the page. The way that she writes transports the reader right into the story alongside her characters whether they’re doing daily chores or fighting on the battlefield.

There are two clans: the Aska and the Riki. The Aska worship the god Sigr and they fight their enemies according to his will. The Riki are the ones who worship the goddess Thora, every five years. The two clans have an ancient blood feud that has filled them with hatred, but unknown to them, the fates of two people (one from Aska and one from Riki) are intertwined.

Sky in the Deep follows Eelyn who is a fierce and devoted warrior from the Aska clan. She is an independent woman and shows her badass side in the various fight scenes, but she also shows her vulnerable and broken side as she’s still coping with the loss of her brother. Her narration clearly showcases all of her feelings from her pain to her joy and Eelyn is a very easy character to relate to. You can easily feel her emotions, thoughts and conflicts as she reunited with her brother only to lose him again to her enemies. Her betrayal and hurt as well as her joys and love can be felt almost as if she is a real living person.

Fiske is our other main character also faces many challenges throughout the book. Fiske is a part of the Riki clan who rescued Eelyn’s brother Iri when he was almost dying. He has a fierce devotion to Iri and even refers to him as a brother due to the special bond that has formed between the two. Fiske comes off as brutal and uncaring at the beginning, but he ends up being the total opposite.

The romance in this book is so very sweet despite it being a brutal book full of battle scenes and fierce characters. The enemies to lovers romance is very slow-burn, but it is really sweet and doesn’t distract from the story. The two started out as rivals from two different clans until they find themselves forced to live together which changes their situation completely.

Sky in the Deep does read a little older than a typical young adult novel. While it is classified as young adult with the main character being seventeen-years-old, it features many dark things that may not be comfortable for a young reader to encounter. Adrienne Young doesn’t shy away from violence and there is content and trigger warnings for the loss of a loved one, gore, murder, sexual assault, violence, physical abuse, slavery, suicide and war themes.

Sky in the Deep is a story like you’ve never seen before, filled with blood, family, friendship and love. It is the perfect read if you want a badass heroine, but still get the other elements that you need to soften the story. If you haven’t already considered picking Sky in the Deep up, then please do as it’s amazing!

Eh. So I may need to stop reading YA. Maybe I've outgrown the genre? I'm a grown woman with children and adult responsibilities and YA has almost entirely lost its shine for me. That said, there are things in this book that were fun enough. There was a lot of action and gore. Who doesn't love a good Viking story? Or Viking-esque story, anyway. The action, and the badass female lead, might cause some readers to overlook the fact that there is almost no depth to the characters. I also think the whole enemy-turned-lover trope is gross in general, not just in this book. I never enjoy that spin in a story, and this was no exception. There were many wonderful turns of phrase, though, which added some atmosphere to the book as a whole. Overall, though, I wouldn't read any more in the series, though this is a standalone novel. I was disappointed because I had been hoping for a good Viking-esque story.

Some of the best world building I've encountered. The story sucks you in and doesn't let go. Highly recommended.

This is the kind of YA fantasy that keeps me a fan of the genre. With "Sky in the Deep," Adrienne Young created a world based on old Scandinavian/Norse history and culture that's unlike any I've read before. I was immediately hooked from the first battle and Eelyn proved herself to not only be a strong fighter but also someone with depth. I enjoyed following her story and would love to read a sequel or spin-off to dig in even further into the world. I wasn't ready to leave it!

Actual rating is 3 stars.

Thought and Plot

Eelyn of the Aska clan has been raised to be a warrior. At 17 years old her life is a constant test to survive filled with battles against her clan’s enemy. She is comfortable with this, until she sees her brother on the other side of the battlefield. He died, five years ago.

Captured, Eelyn must endure a winter in the mountains amongst the Riki clan, one of her clan’s enemies. But soon she realizes there is a bigger enemy, one that Eelyn thought to just be a legend. This sets in motion Eelyn’s desperate bid to get back to her family. .

Let’s stop for a second. This book tries to sell the ‘strong female warrior’ thing, but the first battle you see her in, she gets caught. Yes she kicks butt and it's the apparent appears of her brother that gets her struck by an enemy arrow, but still....strong female warrior...The clan that caught her is fairly nice to her. She makes a few awful excuses for escape attempts then settles into their clan for some nice conversations, garlic crushing and wood carving. For pages.

Another cliché is two teens working together to pull their warring clans together in order to survive the clan of legends. Enter yet another cliché, Eelyn falling for Fiske, the guy who shot her with an arrow and captured her on the battlefield.

What I did like is the portrayal of Eelyn’s culture. How she worries she won’t be able to pass into the afterworld because she was captured by the enemy, which is dishonorable. Her warrior culture is apparent as she is forced into a submissive role similar of that of a housewife (cooking, cleaning, garlic crushing…). That said, she does seem to view things from the Riki clan perspective as well as time goes on. I liked the writing and I obviously liked all the battle scenes.

In Conclusion

This is what I would call..a Viking spin on a loose retelling Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet with an alternate ending. It wasn’t bad. In fact, I quite liked it despite multiple clichés that should really stop being used and a few that I actually like. I would recommend this to others.

Adrienne Young’s Sky in the Deep completely immersive, unique

SKY IN THE DEEP, by Adrienne Young, Wednesday Books, April 24, 2018, Hardcover, $17.99 (young adult)

Every once in a while I find myself unexpectedly swept away with a novel. That was definitely the case with Adrienne Young’s debut novel, Sky in the Deep. I read it in one sitting.

Sky in the Deep is a fantasy novel set in the land of Vikings. At 17, Eelyn is already a seasoned warrior. She was raised to fight alongside her Aska clansmen. They come together on the battlefield against the Riki clan with whom they hold an ancient rivalry.

Eelyn is a skilled warrior who never falters, until one day she sees her brother — the one she watched die in battle five years ago — fighting alongside the Riki. Risking her life to discover the truth, Eelyn ends up in the hands of her enemy, forced to live side-by-side with them through the long mountain winter.

There is no greater animosity than that between the Aska and the Riki, but there is a greater threat — the Herja. Among the Riki, the Herja are thought to be legend, but Eelyn knows better. She’s seen the destruction they can bring. So when the Herja raid the Riki village where she is staying, Eelyn’s desperate to return to her family.

Eeyln can’t just up and leave, though. Instead she must trust Fiske, her brother’s friend and warrior in his own right. Together, they must unite their clans or risk the annihilation of both.

Sky in the Deep has a foundation in Norse mythology, which author Adrienne Young researched extensively. And while much of that research included clothing, landscape, weapons and food, Adrienne also spent a lot of time studying Old Norse, which is a dead language and steeped in scholarly controversy. In the end, she turned to her own investigation, and admits she’s not an expert.

Not that you’d know that from reading Sky in the Deep.

From the first paragraph to the last, I was engrossed. Adrienne’s world building is amazingly nuanced. I raced with Eelyn to the battlefield, marveled at the yarrow fields with her and pushed myself through the bitter cold by her side.

Reading Sky in the Deep was a completely immersive and unique experience that comes with the first read of a novel that speaks to you. I’m not sure a second reading will live up to it, but I’m sure going to give it a try.

Sky in the Deep isn’t for everyone. There’s a lot of battle a gore, although it’s fairly tame compared to other fantasy novels. However, if you enjoy narratives taut with action and a little bit of a love story, Sky in the Deep might be the perfect fit. It was for me. I’m already looking forward to the planned companion novel in the works.

I'm really sorry to say it guys. I didn't fall in love with this story in the way so many others have. I was unamused, unimpressed, and utterly bored by the overall plot. The story just didn't grab my attention, and I was left feeling like the hype surrounding this was severely overdone.

I will say I liked the prose, and to some extent, the story, but there was no real point to the plot at all.



"I was the ice on the river. The snow clinging to the mountainside."

When I saw there was going to be a Norse-based young adult novel, I was almost ready to give my soul for a chance to read it. I love history, and the Vikings and their ways has always been something that intrigued me, but this felt like an underwhelming love story with no real purpose.

Following the story of Eelyn, a female warrior who gets captured by the rival village, where she learns her brother is still alive, despite her family thinking him dead, this was set up to be a thriller of a book. After all, a long-dead brother alive after all this time? Viking-esque setting? Rival villages at war? What's not to love? Well, unfortunately for me, quite a lot.

Like I said, I quite liked the prose, but the characters were difficult to relate to and the story seemed dead in the water. Eelyn was difficult to relate to, having been captured much sooner in the book than I would have thought. We're led through the history of the rivalry from one side, and see a very biased view point through Eelyn's eyes as she fights to find her opportunity for freedom. In fact, for a lot of the book, she's so focused on finding her way back home, it's almost infuriating as she wars with herself. On the one hand, she wants to go home to her father, regain her place as a warrior, and despises her brother for his betrayal, but on the other, she finds she still loves her brother and develops feelings for a boy she considers to be her enemy.

This was so full of cliches it was embarrassing.

The only thing pulling me through was the writing, which I found I enjoyed, especially when Fiske, Inge or Iri were on the page, as their family dynamic was so well written it made me wish to be a part of it. But it just wasn't enough to pull this up to a higher rating. In fact, and I'm sorry to say it, if those scenes I did enjoy weren't included, and we were left with Eelyn's persistent moaning and conflictions, I would have rated this much lower.

But as much as I loved those scenes, I also started to notice little things that irked me even more. For example, and this is purely my opinion, I felt like each and every chapter was left on a mini 'cliff-hanger' so to speak, with a similar word pattern each time. This would work fine if I felt like there were a need, but it just seemed like those 'tense' scenes you see in crime shows or adventure programs before the ad break, where you roll your eyes at the mere cheesy-ness of the situation.

I think at the end of the day, this book just wasn't for me. It lacked plot, drive, and focus, and I was left feeling empty handed. There are so many people who loved this, and that's evident from the 4/5 star reviews dotted around, but I feel like this was over-hyped and just lacking a certain sparkle.

If you like Norse history, and a vaguely explored world reminiscent of the kind of thing you see on nature programs, then you may adore this, but I for one, will not be picking this up again.

When I first heard of this Viking inspired standalone novel, I got really excited. I headed straight to Amazon and pre-ordered it, only for Amazon to later cancel the order and say they would no longer be stocking it. Imagine my disappointment. But then, one day, I was scrolling through NetGalley and saw that Sky in the Deep was available to request and of course I did. I waited weeks without hearing anything and with the release date less than a week away I had given up hope. Then I got the email saying that I was approved and I have never been happier. I read this book within two days, which is very quick considering I have work in the week. It was incredible and so moving, one of my favourites of the year so far.

For centuries the Aska and Riki clans have been battling every five years, fighting for their deities and honour. Eelyn is a seventeen year old Aska warrior who prides herself on her fighting skills and has a strong will to survive. As she is battling against the Riki clan once more on the battlefield, she sees something that stops her in her tracks. Before her eyes is her brother Iri, the same one that she watched die five years beforehand. A brother that is fighting with the Riki, not against them. Following him to discover the truth, she is captured by Fiske, the one who is with her brother, and is taken back to one of the Riki villages where she is surrounded by her enemies. All she wants is to understand what happened to her brother and to eventually return home, something that is easier said that done when you are stuck on a mountain in the dead of winter. But when a dangerous force attacks the village, Eelyn has no choice but to trust Fiske and the other Riki, and to help bring the clans together before their enemies destroy them once and for all.

I have so many wonderful thoughts about this book that it is hard to know where to begin. I’m going to start by saying that, at its core, this is a book about family and loyalty, as well as overcoming prejudice. It shows us that sometimes we need to look past the thoughts and feelings that have been instilled after centuries of thinking a certain way and that we should open our hearts to others. The emotions in this book are raw and you feel everything that Eelyn is going through. When she is angry you feel it burning your skin, and when she is sad and at a loss you can feel your heart breaking with her. The writing style flowed perfectly and kept me turning the pages, always wanting to find out what happened next.

I really liked the mythical lore of the clans and their Gods/Goddesses. The Aska worship Sigr, the God of Water and the sea, where their home lies, whilst the Riki worship Thora, Goddess of Fire and the mountains. The origin of the hatred that runs between these two clans is explained early on and is something that is referenced throughout. Both clans fight for honour and to earn a place in the afterlife with their family, they just have different ways of worshipping their deities.

There are some incredible action sequences throughout, with axes swinging, blood covering clothes and blades being drawn across skin. In fact, the first chapter jumps straight into the action of the battlefield and it set me up for the rest of the book. Not exactly for the faint of heart, but there are also parts that are heart warming and touching. Sky in the Deep stirred so many emotions in me and it is something that doesn’t always happen. I felt like I was right there by Eelyn’s side as she went through everything, some of which wasn’t always pleasant. I will mention that there are mentions of rape at times, so that is something to bear in mind.

Our main character, Eelyn is feisty, strong and a true warrior. She is protective of the ones she loves and won’t take any crap from anyone. So, when she is captured it really hits her hard and she has to adjust, but at the same time the survivor in her is always looking for a way out. She has great character development, shown through her emotions and actions as she begins to learn why her brother stayed with the Riki and didn’t return home to the Aska.

While at the Riki village, Eelyn sees that they aren’t so different from the Aska, and slowly but surely we get to find out more about Fiske’s family, the people who took Iri in after the accident. There are some very sweet and tender moments between them all, often reminding me of my own family. Then there is the slow burning relationship between Eelyn and Fiske, which was just incredible. I haven’t enjoyed a romance like this in a while and it was extremely refreshing for it not to be instant-love, or a love triangle.

I could probably go on and on about how much I adored this book. Everything was perfect. We have fully fleshed out characters, incredible relationships, great action, a quick pace and some of the best world building I’ve read in a while. There wasn’t too much of any one thing, and I loved it that much I may have to just buy my own copy. One of the easiest five star ratings I’ve given out this year.

Sky in the Deep was one of my most anticipated books of the year, and it did not disappoint! From the first chapter, in which Eelyn fights as viciously as any man against her clan's enemies and is shocked to see her long-dead brother on the battlefield, I could not put it down.

I am foregoing a plot recap since the book description sums it up perfectly, but I will tell you that this book is not for the faint of heart. (We are talking about Vikings, after all.) Eelyn's world is vicious and brutal--I mean, the girl pull's a dude's eye out--but it's also beautiful and full of wonder and awe-inspiring sites. From Eleyn's beloved village on the fjord to the mountain forest home of the Riki, it's a treat for the senses for anyone who appreciates the raw, and sometimes dangerous, beauty of nature. And the scene in which we realize the meaning of the title is gorgeous.

It's also an examination of human nature and our indomitable willingness to do whatever it takes to survive, even when that means coming to terms with the fact that our enemies are not so very different from ourselves. The story sports a well-rounded cast of supporting characters from both clans, and ah, Fiske, Eelyn's enemy turned lover, the strong and silent type I adore so.

I can't quite put my finger on why this ended up not being a five-star read for me. I think perhaps the momentum fizzled a bit toward the end, and after so much adversity and trauma, things seemed to fall into place a tad too easily. But I enjoyed every minute of it.

In the tradition of Ivory and Bone and And I Darken (two books that both made my "best of" lists in the years they were published), Sky in the Deep is another fabulous entry into gritty, immersive, action-packed YA historical fiction.

Sky in the Deep! Vikings! Totally awesome, strong female lead! This was amazing storytelling. This book had everything: a complicated family dynamic, a love story, a hate story, a learning to grow story. It was vivid and mystical. It was just plain beautiful. Read this book!

I know they say don't judge a book by its cover, but come on we all do. Sky in the Deep definitely pulled me in with its gorgeous cover, I didn't realize how much I would love this book until I was knee deep in reading it and it was already 2:00 AM!!! I 100% loved the Viking-esque world Adrienne Young develops throughout this book. Definitely going to recommend this book to my sci-fi/fantasy lovers!

"The sounds of battle rushing toward us bled together as the deep-throated prayers of my clansmen rose up around me like smoke from a wildfire."

Eelyn is a warrior. Raised to fight, hate of her enemy is all-encompassing and uncompromising. She's never held back, never hesitated. Fighting alongside Myra, her fighting companion and best friend, vengeance is the only thing she can see on the battlefield. Until she sees something impossible. Her brother, fighting alongside the Riki enemy clan. But he's been dead for five years. She saw him die.

Chasing after her phantom brother ends with her being captured by the enemy she's sworn to kill. Now, she has to survive in a way she's never had to before. Surrounded by enemies, knowing that they all would rather kill her than help her, she will face difficulty unlike anything she's faced in battle.

But when an even more ruthless clan descends on the mountain, Eelyn will have no choice but to put her trust in the warrior who enslaved her. Together they will have to attempt to convince the warring clans to put their past hatreds behind them. Unite and fight a common enemy. Or risk complete annihilation.

"I tried not to look up into the angry eyes cast down on me, the hatred burning through their stares."

Sometimes when a book is presented about warriors, we only get glimpses of their actual warrior life. That is SO not the case with Sky In The Deep. This book is brutal and intense. Young absolutely does not hold back when it comes to describing the fury and horror that battle must be like. Especially battles where the weapons are axes and swords.  Eelyn is savage and I fanatically love it!

Wrapped within the fierce warrior though, is a girl. A girl who has to grapple with living with an enemy she has fought and hated her entire life. The enemy that took her brother, that kills her clansmen without remorse. This is a compelling coming of age story, where inherent biases and hatred are woven deep into the fabric of these clan societies. While the society itself and the fighting seasons they all adhere to seem ancient and far away, the parallels we see in modern society are relevant and obvious.

"But I wasn't angry. I was aflame with fury. I was filled with something so dark it was poisoning me from the inside out."

Make no mistake, Eelyn is a fierce warrior. But beneath that fight, she is vulnerable in the way we all are when we have to face things that will change us forever. She has to learn to trust people she's always been taught to hate. I love that the choice is between individual good versus the greater good. How hate limits and hinders us, both on an individual level and as a society as well. How it's easy to hate people from a distance. It's much harder to convince yourself of their capacity for evil when you see them taking care of their fellow clansmen.

Beyond an amazing story, the writing Young gives us is as strong and bold as Eelyn. Every word presented is precise and concise. She is able to convey vivid imagery, strong emotions, and bold characters without relying on being overly descriptive. Even when she uses phrases in their native dialect, she is able to offer the translation in such a natural way that the reader immediately picks up on what is being said.

This strong writing maintains the intensity necessary to really be swept into the story. And to understand this culture. These are warriors. People who rely on actions rather than words. Young ensures that dialogue isn't wasted, that descriptions aren't frivolous. It completely immerses the reader in the mentality of these characters.

"It was a different history than the one the Aska told, but the end was the same. Our hatred of the Riki was written onto our bones. Breathed into us by Sigr. What had started as a quarrel between the gods turned into the hunger for revenge -- a blood feud."

Sky In The Deep is a book that most readers will devour. It's fast paced, even in the slow moments, filled with so much relatable emotion that it sweeps you away. I love the complexity shown for each character. Hating the enemy isn't a black and white issue in real life, and it isn't in this book either. Even when they make decisions that feel awful, Young does a fantastic job circling back to show the deeper motivations behind the actions. It feels real in a historical context, which just gives everything a richer feel.

This is a stunning debut, and I believe a stand alone, although I wouldn't mind more from this world. I can't wait to see what Young does next! For anyone wanting something new, an experience that doesn't feel quite so typical YA, or a book that is as brutal and ferocious in action as well as heart, Sky In The Deep is for you. See the links below and get your copy today!

Thank you to Adrienne's publicist, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday books for sending me an egalley for review!

Content Warning: Animal & Human Sacrifice, Idolatry, Violence/War, Slavery, Torture, Attempted Rape, Premarital Sex

For a story with such a simple plot, Sky In The Deep still had a way of grabbing my attention. When I say simple, I mean that there aren't numerous elements to remember, info dumps of world-building, or a multitude of characters to get to know. I also mean “simple” in a sense that there really is only one or two main focuses for the characters throughout the entire story. Because Sky In The Deep wasn't overwhelmingly complex, it was easy to follow, direct, and made for a quick, yet engaging read.

I will say that I had hoped for more of the fantasy aspect to kick in (because this is considered to be a fantasy and not historical fiction) but it still had an interesting plot. The characters are the key and central focus and are what drives the story forward.

World Building

Not a large amount of detail is given on the actual location that this story takes place. The landscape shifts from a common battlefield between the fjords and the hills/mountains where the two warring tribes of the Aska and Riki reside. The climate resembles that of Northern European territory. A heavy winter season is present for the majority, if not all, of the story, and works against the main character at times. Basic political systems rule the tribes present in Sky In The Deep. Resembling an “eye for an eye” mentality, if someone wrongs another, it's up to the people involved to settle the matter--as shone with Fiske and Thorpe.

This is supposed to be a Viking-influenced story. Considering that fact and historical evidence, the Viking age was between 800 - 1066 AD, so this is probably around the time frame that this plot is set. The lifestyles of the people are primitive and resemble that of earlier societal establishments. Comparing this book to actual Viking history is a bit of a stretch. While yes, there are definite parallels, its not like a historical fiction, where the lifestyle is described in depth and widely developed.

Three tribes or people groups are identified: the Aska, Riki, and Herja. Little information is given about the Herja, where they live, their motivations, etc., except for their cruel practices and human sacrifices they perform to their god (which remains unnamed.)
“What had started as a quarrel between the gods turned into the hunger for revenge--a blood feud. Every five years, we lost those we loved. And we spent the next five years counting the days to the moment we could make the Riki pay for our pain.”

The Aska and Riki both worship a different god. Sigr, the god of the Aska, is known as the god of the fjord. In Old Norse translations, Sigr means "victory" but shares no resemblance to any actual Norse gods.
“She’d tell the story of the Riki god Thora, who erupted from the mountain in fire and the flames that had come down to the fjord. Sigr had risen up from the sea to protect his people and every five years, we went back to battle to defend his honor, bound by the blood feud between us.”

Likewise, Thora, the god of the Riki, isn't well defined. While it's said that she "erupted from a mountain in fire," it is unclear whether she is god of volcanoes, mountains, or even thunder? Thora is the female counterpart to Thor, the god of thunder in Norse mythology. However, it's unclear what she is supposed to represent here. More information on these details would have really helped with boosting the fantasy aspect of the story, as it remained rather lacking in the department.

Both the Aska and the Riki have the same structural beliefs. When they die, they believe they travel to a heaven-like realm, referred to as Hylli (meaning "favor" in Old Norse), or Solbjørg (meaning "house of salvation" in Old Norse) depending on which tribe one was a part of. Once there, the dead are reunited with loved ones that had passed on before them. I'm mentioning this because it too, plays a large role in the plot. Eelyn, believing her brother Iri to be dead along with their mother, looks towards the day when they will be reunited. She and her father pray to idols of the two so that their souls may find their way in the afterlife. Death, in general, is a common occurrence within these tribes, as they are pit against one another every five years.

Pacing & Readability

I found Sky in the Deep easy to read. Moderately paced, the characters guide the reader through a shorter text, making the passage of time seem fluid and effortless.

Point-Of-View & Characters

The story is told from the perspective of Eelyn, the main character. This strong seventeen-year-old has grown up training for, and knowing battle. Understanding at a young age that life is tough, she’s adapted to understand and accept tragedy when it befalls her. Though, it doesn’t make it any less easy. After losing both her mother and older brother in clan wars and raids, she holds dear to her father and best friend Myra. However, when confronted by the ghost of her dead brother, she begins to second guess herself and everything that she believes she knows.
"I tried to remember who I was. Strong. Brave. Fierce. Sure. I tried to summon her to me--that Eelyn who would choose her people over anything else. I searched for her within myself, but she was different now. I was different. And it was something that was already done. Something I couldn’t change.”


Myra, Eelyn’s best friend and “sister” lost majority of her family at a young age. Because of that, her and Eelyn understand each other well. The two share a strong bond, and exemplify a beautiful image of friendship with how they support one another.

Both Iri and Fiske felt like similar characters. While they obviously played different roles, they didn’t feel as significant as they should have. I felt that their characters were underwhelming and underdeveloped. Similar to Eelyn and Myra’s friendship, I did appreciate how they too, represented a deep friendship and “brotherhood” together.

The main antagonists are the Riki (towards the beginning) and Herja clans to the Askas. To Eelyn, her own perspective and discriminations are also antagonists.

Major Themes

⇒ Betrayal
"Feeling that lighting strike in my soul. That Iri was alive. And not just alive. He'd betrayed us. All of us. The boy I'd shared my childhood with. The boy I'd fought side by side with. He was worse than any enemy. And the blood we shared was now poison in my veins."

Betrayal is by far the biggest theme throughout Sky in the Deep. Believing her brother dead, Eelyn is dumbfounded when she comes across what she thought was her deceased brother on the battlefield. When she realizes that he's fighting for the enemy tribe, the Riki, she follows him, but is captured and taken to be a slave with the Riki.

Not knowing how to handle his betrayal, Eelyn works through a series of emotions, trying to understand how he could do such a thing. Which leads into the next theme.

⇒ Survival/Death

Survival is the primary focus of everyone in this story. Life is harsh, battles are frequent, and the threat of the ruthless Herja constantly plague the minds of the characters.

Five years prior, Iri was thought to have been killed on the battlefield by the Riki. His body was found, but left. When the Riki returned to bring one of their own home for burial, they found both he and Iri were still alive. The Riki insisted that he be brought back and cared for, and he eventually was adopted into the clan. There, he found love, which became his reason for not returning to the Aska. Love, and the fact that his family probably wouldn't take him back if he has returned after converting to following the foreign God, Thora, kept him with the Riki. Learning how accept where Iri now is, as well as her shameful status as a slave to the Riki, leads directly into the next theme.

⇒ Redemption
”We find things, just as we lose things, Eelyn. If you’ve lost your honor, you’ll find it again.”

For the Aska, it’s literally damning to become a slave. Once one assumed the title, they were no longer able to traverse the afterlife to be with their family after they pass away. When the Riki made Eelyn into one, she became immensely ashamed of her position. Also fearful to return to the Aska to expose the shame onto her father, Eelyn contemplated on returned at all.

It was during this time that she realized why Iri never returned to the Aska. His position, too, would bring shame to his family. It took Eelyn to experience a similar situation herself before she could understand her brother’s “betrayal” and the truth behind it. Not only that, she had to confront her own prejudices against the Riki in order to convince them and the Aska to fight together against the Herja.

⇒ Equality

While there is some credit to give in this area, I also want to point out a few things. Sky in the Deep has been highly esteemed among Young Adult readers for its strong female lead and the "equality" shown between men and women. However, slavery is very much a part of daily life in these tribes, and the fact that Eelyn is nearly raped, I fail to see this equality. If everyone wants to get caught up only in the fact that women fight alongside men in battle instead of being sheltered from it, I think they are missing the bigger picture.

While Viking women were known for their grit, life for a women during that period was also very difficult. Just because they were active warriors for their people didn't eliminate all threats from others. Again, Eelyn is nearly raped...what does that say about "equality?" It shows that not everyone had the same definition of the word. I also think that because of Eelyn's position--being the sister to Iri, and a love interest to Fiske--saved her from subjugation to treatment that otherwise would have been dealt to her when she was enslaved. Personally, I don't think the theme of equality between men and women is actually portrayed as strongly in this story as people may think.

Overall Feelings

Things that I liked:

⇒ The themes and messages.
⇒ The origins for the tale.
⇒ There’s no swearing!
⇒ Even though it wasn't well defined, I liked the setting and atmosphere that this story took place in.
⇒ Again, although it wasn't focused deeply upon, I liked the culture this was set in. It stood out as its rather unique in this aspect.

Things that I didn’t like:

⇒ The overall lack of the appearance of fantasy. It read as a historical fiction with a few twists. But personally, I didn’t think it fit well into the fantasy genre.
⇒ The gore and torture scenes.
⇒ Incompleteness in some aspects of the world-building.

Overall, I thought this was a good read. While I had some issues with the world-building feeling incomplete, I appreciated Eelyn’s character and watching the transformation she went through. Sky In The Dark has strong messages about redemption, and setting aside differences in order to work together.

Vulgarity: None!
Sexual content: Mainly kissing. There is a scene where a Riki character nearly tries to rape Eelyn. There is also reference towards Eelyn and another character having sexual relations.
Violence: Quite a bit, including some gore and torture scenes.

My Rating: ★★★½

I'd like to thank Brittani Hilles for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.
Sky in the Deep is the story of two clans of warriors that fight each other every five years and is inspired by the Vikings. Eelyn, the main character, is an Aska and she narrates what happens to her after seeing her brother Iri (whom she thought dead for five years) in the middle of the battlefield. Iri saves her from being killed by his friend Fiske (from the Riki clan) and manages to make Eelyn a prisoner. The story goes on from there as Aska and Riki sort out their problems and prepare for a much bigger one.
I liked this story and thought it was very well written. Adrienne Young gave a lot of attention to even the smallest detail and, as there aren't many YA books set in this period of time, I had a pleasant time reading this one. I loved the protagonist and the way her character develops and grows, defying her faith and the ones she loves to make everything alright.
Sky in the Deep will have a companion novel coming out in 2019 and I can't wait to read it!