I really loved Sky in the Deep, Adrienne Young's debut novel, so I was excited to read the companion novel, The Girl the Sea Gave Back. It's not a direct sequel, but it's set in the same world as Sky in the Deep and the main characters appear in supporting roles.

Set 10 years after the events of Sky in the Deep, the Nadhir have experienced an unprecedented stretch of peace, but the neighboring tribe of the Svell are growing in strength and may be a threat to the Nadhir, who are still rebuilding after the events of the first book. Halvard is 18 and has been chosen as the heir to the chief of the Nadhir. He wrestles with whether he is truly the right choice for the job.
One of the Svell's advantages is a young woman named Tova. She is a Truthtongue, someone who can see the future. She is also a member of another tribe, the mysterious Kyrr. She washed up on a beach and was found by Jorrund, the Svell's spiritual leader. Her life with the Svell has been hard. Although they need her, they also fear her, and the only person who shows her any kindness is Jorrund, but Tova always wonders if it's because he needs her abilities to maintain his power.  She lives in constant fear of outliving her usefulness to the tribe.

The story is told in alternating chapters from Tova and Halvard's points of view. It's effective because the characters have very distinct voices. Tova's lonely life contrasts with Halvard's much more secure position. She's an outsider with no memories of her past, while he is a favored son of his tribe, with a supporting and loving family. The two have little in common, but when Tova casts the rune stones, a connection between them is forged.

The book has a fast moving plot, and most of the action takes place over just a few days. Young's spare prose works well for the story. The bleakness and beauty of this world really come through in her writing. It's a gripping story, and I hope Young writes more books set in this world.

Although this is sort of a sequel, it's possible to read it without having read Sky in the Deep. But the two books go so well together, I would recommend that you read the first one before reading The Girl the Sea Gave Back.

Well, that was disappointing.

I read sky in the deep a few months ago and while I did have a few faults with the story overall, I thought it was a very promising debut. This book however was a huge step in the opposite direction.

This story, similarly to Sky in the Deep, had so much potential. Set 10 years after the events of Sky in the Deep, we follow two main characters. Halvard, who we met in the first book, and Tova, a girl living as an outcast in her tribe since death seems to always follow her. She has the unusual ability to see the future. When she’s asked to use her ability to decide whether they should go to war or maintain peace, she sets into motion the events for the novel.

I also think this story wasn’t sure what it wanted to be. With Tova’s ability there were some fantasy/magic elements, but since Tova didn’t know too much about her past neither did the reader and it made things feel so confusing and disjointed. Along those same lines, there is a lot of talk regarding fate and destiny. It seemed like the paths of our main characters are meant to cross in some crazy way, but they spent such little time on page together and what could’ve been an amazing star crossed lovers/forbidden love plot line fell completely flat.

Basically, all the things I really enjoyed from the first book were missing. I was hoping that the author would stick with the fast plot lines and action, yet what we got here was only tons of wasted potential and a disjointed plot.

I can't decide whether I liked The Girl the Sea Gave Back more than Sky in the Deep. Epic story about a girl set to change the world!

I loved Sky in the Deep so much! So when I saw Adrienne Young was writing another book in this world, I was really excited to get my hands on it and discover a new favorite.

However, if you're reading this then you've seen I only rated it 2 stars which is... not great. I ended up listening to the audiobook even though I had an e-arc of this book. I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed this story more if I had read it in another format. I'd like to think it's a me problem and not a book problem.

I wanted to DNF it because I couldn't find it in me to care about anything. I couldn't connect with the characters and I know I'll forget everything about this book in a day or two...

(Thank you to the publisher for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)

I read and loved Sky in the Deep last year, so I was beyond the moon when Adrienne Young announced she was working on a companion novel. Unfortunately, I didn’t find in The Girl the Sea Gave Back the elements I loved in Young’s debut book.

The Girl the Sea Gave Back takes place ten years after the ending of Sky in the Deep. This time, the story is told through two different POVs: Tova and Halvard. Tova is a Kyrr with the ability to cast the stones, which means that she can read the future. She uses her ability as a Truthtongue for the Svell, the enemies of the Nādhir. Halvard is Fiske and Iri’s young brother and the next chieftain of the Nādhir, the clan that unified Aska and Riki a decade ago.

Adrienne Young’s sophomore book is a story about fate, hope and destiny. We follow the prelude of the war between the Svell and the Nādhir through Tova and Halvard’s POVs, which was interesting since it allows the readers to get a glimpse of the different dynamics inside both clans. I really liked getting to know more about this Viking world, especially the goddesses, gods and the Spinners.

But although the premise was interesting and I absolutely loved Young’s beautiful writing, I couldn’t connect with the story because of the uneven pacing and the lack of plot. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was reading a summary of the book instead of the actual book, because there is absolutely no tension through the entire story and you can easily guess how everything is going to end. Also, the story is so focused on the destiny of both clans and Tova’s past that we barely get to really know Halvard despite the fact that he is one of the main characters. I wasn’t the biggest fan of how the connexion between Tova and Halvard is approached either.

Summing up, The Girl the Sea Gave Back was a complete letdown for me. I really liked the last paragraph and how the story ends that way, but overall the story lacked the tension and character development I loved in Sky in the Deep and it just bored me for the most part. Nevertheless, I have high hopes for the next books by Adrienne Young since I love the author’s writing and the premises of her stories.

Unfortunately, this book just wasn't the best fit for me personally. The plot moved very slowly, which I believe may have been due to the split perspectives in the story. I had a hard time diving into the book and becoming connected with the characters. I had the same issue with the first book, so I truly just think this was a matter of the book not being a great fit for my own reading style.

I requested an ARC of The Girl the Sea Gave Back on a whim, having heard good things about the author. Graciously, the publisher provided me with an eARC though NetGalley - my opinions are my own. What I hadn't realized when I requested this novel was that it was a sequel. So, I went off to read Sky in the Deep. Since I essentially read these novels back to back, I feel like I enjoyed this one more. The back and forth between new characters and cultures to familiar characters and cultures was something I appreciated, and the flashbacks were really interesting and helped lend context to both sides of the story. Overall, I really enjoyed The Girl the Sea Gave Back, although Sky in the Deep is probably my favourite of the two.

The Girl The Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young is essentially a companion to Sky In The Deep. It's set in the same fantastical Viking world. I, personally, was really excited to re-enter this world, but read about different characters this go around. I also was excited to read another of Young's books via audio, as I had such a good experience with the first book.

The Girl The Sea Gave Back opens up with devastated parents who believe their daughter is dead. They end up putting the girl out to sea on a funeral boat. Alas, that girl is not dead. So, the Svell people end up adopting her and utilize her gift as a truthtongue. Meanwhile, there's additional chapters from the point of view of Halvard, who has a fate intertwined with Tova's but is kind of her enemy. Also, two other clans have joined together in peace, but possibly in war against Tova's people which is bad news bears for Tova's life.

On the whole, I enjoyed my time with this audiobook. It has dual narration, with Caitlin Kelly and Dan Bittner narrating chapters as Tova and Halvard, respectively. The audiobook is eight hours and 23 minutes long and well produced. I wasn't overly invested, but I did find this to be an entertaining listen. It also was good enough that I do anticipate reading this book again some day, but likely via physical book. Recommended on the whole - especially if you like books about girls who do the right and moral thing - even when it brings strife and struggle. It's something I deeply admire and would recommend.

The Girl the Sea Gave Bak did not disappoint. It was a slow burn, and it took me a little while to get immersed back into the Viking-based fantasy world of SKY IN THE DEEP (which I also really enjoyed), but once I connected with Tova and Halvard, I really liked their intertwining stories, in addition to seeing how they each responded to their callings and figured out their true beliefs.

I absolutely loved Sky in the Deep so I was really excited when The Girl the Sea Gave Back was announced. Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me. The split perspective made the story progress way too slowly for me, particularly since the reader saw the same event multiple times. I also didn't really connect with the romance, although I thought it had a lot of potential. I do think that many readers will love this one though!

*Disclaimer: I received an advance digital copy of this book for free from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I loved this follow-up to SKY IN THE DEEP. It was great to see Halvard grown up and slated to become the leader of his clan, which was formed when the Aska and the Riki came together at the end of SITD. Tova was a complex and troubled new character, and I loved watching her emerge, almost like a butterfly from a cocoon, as the story progressed. She was strong and smart and brave and determined to do the right thing, even if it meant going against those who took her in as a very young girl. I didn't love this *quite* as much as SITD, but I would still read absolutely anything Adrienne Young writes!

First of all I didn’t know right away that this was a second in the series. I knew it was from the same author, Adrienne Young, and had the same vikingish vibe to it though. This book follows 10 years after the events in Sky in the Deep. That being said it was still easy enough to follow and was rather enjoyable all by itself, though I have heard great things about the first book and plan on reading it eventually.

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This story centers on two main characters, the first being Halvard who reminds me a lot of Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon. He is a reluctant leader who is afraid of letting his people down.

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Also the girl that the story is titled after, Tova. She clearly doesn’t belong in the Svell clan and the people of the village she grew up in often seemed to fear her. She is a seer, or a truthtongue, that reads what the fates have planned in the cart of the runes.

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After she foresees the enevitable death of the Svell clan leader’s beloved daughter her few allies become almost none.

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Tova then reads in the runes the complete destruction of the Svell clan. She is then forced to March with them into a war she believes is her fault and continue to cat the stones for the way hungry Svell leaders. Tova then has to come to terms with the death toll of this war and her roll in it and it’s outcome.

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In the midst of battle she sees Halvard and the connection is undeniable. There is something, mystical, fateful or otherwise, that has deeply connected them to have important roles in each other’s lives. In that moment she vows to protect Halvard as well as she can to make sure that the future she saw comes to pass.

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Nordic lore and Viking history fans will really appreciate this book and the series probably for it’s feel if not it’s authenticity. I wouldn’t know if it’s authentic but I felt well entrenched in this world.

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This was a fantastic book to read. It was engaging from page one and kept me hanging on every scene until the very end. Which is clearly set up for the next book in the series but was still a satisfactory ending.

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This book seemed to be set up for romances but instead I found it more centered on the love of friendship and family and that was completely okay. Who needs happy love stuff in the middle of a Viking battle right?

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Anyway booklings, this book was good and I believe if you have a looking for Vikingish things you’ll really enjoy it. From a YA standpoint it rocks as well so really there’s not a group that wouldn’t enjoy it.

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I am giving The Girl the Sea Gave Back a 4 out of 5 stars and I will go back to read Sky in the Deep sometime and will certainly read the next book to see what becomes of Tova and Halvard.

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Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book for a fair and honest review.

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this book because Sky in the Deep started really slow for me. I was pleasantly surprised, though, when this book grabbed me from the very beginning. I really cared about Tova and cheered for her through the entire book. The world the author built was as lovely as it was brutal. I hope there is more of this world for us to visit.

I loved Sky in the Deep and The Girl the Sea Gave Back is no different. I love how old characters from Sky in the Deep were incorporated and we had a new heroine and a new set of problems. I absolutely love and enjoy the stories set in Adrienne Young's world and look forward to reading more by her. This book was highly anticipated and I can see why. Everyone that I have had the pleasure of talking to about it has loved it as well. It was a great read and I hope that you enjoy it as well.

I have a full review coming up on my Instagram/Waterstones but I adore this world!
A mesmerising world, a gripping story and instantly addictive. This heartfelt story with a Vikings flavour is full of action, hope and love of every kind.
Halvard was a great character to follow and I loved the glimpses we got of Eelyn, Fiske & Iri as I was left craving so much more (in a good way) after Sky in the Deep!

I was so looking forward to “ The Girl the Sea Gave Back”. Unfortunately, it fell a little flat in terms of execution. It was slow to start. I really struggled to finish it. The plot is lacking and disjointed in places. There was barely any worldbuilding. I found it extremely difficult to connect with the characters. Overall, it just wasn’t for me.

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't realize this was a standalone companion novel. I sort of felt like I picked up in the middle of the series. I struggled a bit, because I could feel a disconnect with the characters, like I was missing their back stories, and who they were. And that is completely my fault. So I stopped at the 50% point, and I am going to read the first book, and then finish this one. I think that will help me give a more accurate review. So far, I can give this book 3.5 Stars.

The Girl the Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young was one of my most anticipated novels of 2019. However, it was a bit of a let down as I tried but couldn't connect with any of the characters. I loved the writing; it was as beautiful as it was in Sky in the Deep.

I guess I wanted more romance too..but the story was so slow that I lost interest early on.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Technically I would probably give this one 3.75 stars but I'll round it up to 4 because we like whole numbers around here. :)

While this book is set in the same world as Sky in the Deep, I believe it can be read as a stand alone and as its own story. It follows Tova and Halvard primarily, as well as their respective peoples. I loved the world building and the rich lore/mythology that has been woven in, but did find some plot points pretty predictable (not in a bad way, just I pretty much knew certain things that would happen).

Tova's struggle to find her place and to know who she really is was well flushed out, as was Halvard's doubt of himself and other's faith in him. Watching them grow and come into their own throughout the story was wonderful to see, as were the frequent flashbacks that provided glimpses into their respective childhoods.

I did feel the ending was a little abrupt and would have loved there to be an epilogue. When I reached the end of the book I really though there would be at least a few pages more, something solid about what came to pass. Can you assume what happened after the end? Yes, you absolutely can - but I would have loved something more final.

All in all I did enjoy the book and it made me want to pick up more similarly themed books. It was an action packed adventure that I really had fun reading and would definitely recommend to others.

After I finished reading the last word of this story, I just had to put the book down for a moment and ponder the story. It left me with a feeling of such hope and encouragement--a similar feeling to what I felt upon finishing Sky in the Deep. The story definitely reminded me a lot of Sky in the Deep as both stories left the same feeling in me and both showed peace between clans. But I loved both stories so much and they still felt very individual.
Halvard and Tova. ❤️ I honestly don't know what I can say to accurately sum up my feelings about them. They were so interesting and likeable! I truly appreciated how much Adrienne delved into their backstories and brought them to life and how she portrayed them--so real and complex.
I will say that Vigdis and Jourunn felt a little flat to me. They needed a bit more backstory to explain their feelings and reactions. Their anger and lust for power was never truly explained, and if that would have been explained, their characters would've been so much more alive.
Adrienne's pacing and description were once again perfect. I felt pulled into the book like I was standing right there with Halvard and Tova, experiencing everything with them. That's the mark of a wonderful story right there.
My only other complaint would be that I felt Gunther deserved more. He did so much for Tova, and while she did honorably bury him, it didn't seem like she dwelled enough on what he did for her to be truly thankful and understand/realize all he sacrificed for her.
This book definitely earned its four stars, and I'd give it a 4.5 if I could! One of my favorite reads this year, for sure.