This book had an interesting premise. I just could not get into it. I finally looked at some other reviews to see what was troubling me about this book. I felt like I was missing something. Yeah other reviews clued me in to the fact that this was the second book in a series and a lot of world building happened in book one. This gets a two star.

First line: “Give me the child.”

Summary: Tova has spent years living among the Svell since she was found washed ashore in a little boat. Her role is as a Truthtongue. She can tell the future. When she sees that the destruction of her village is imminent she has to tell her leaders but it brings about consequences she never thought would come to pass.

Halvard has grown up in the clan to the east. He has lived in a world of peace for years but it appears that war is coming. Halvard hopes to prove himself but when he is nominated as the new chieftain he is not sure that he is prepared for it yet.

My Thoughts: I liked this. I just did not like it as much as the first book. The summary is a little misleading because it does not mention Halvard and his family. I was happy to see him and the rest of the characters from the first book in this one.

I liked the Viking-esque story. It was fun. I just did not connect with it as much. Tova was just not as interesting as Eelyn.

FYI: This is a sequel to The Sky in the Deep.

So, I DNF'd this one at 35% of the way through, which I felt like I was decent enough portion to determine if I was interested enough in continuing or not. I found it hard to keep characters straight in my head and also didn't love the alternating POV chapter style, which is a personal preference. It's not that I felt this was a bad or poorly written book (I enjoyed what I read!), it just wasn't enough to keep me hooked.

This was a great read for me. I loved the mythology and historical elements of the story. I struggled with the names I the beginning but after a few chapters they felt more natural so it was easier to read. I enjoyed the different tribes and the struggles that each of the characters faced. The story is told from two POV but it also bounced between past and present of those two characters. I understand why this was a necessity to tell this particular story but I didn’t love that aspect of it. There was also a bit of instalove which I also didn’t love but it still worked within the story. Overall I really enjoyed this story and look forward to future books from this author.

I was not happy with this one, 10 pages from the end and there was no romance. I thought at least we would get something but no we did not. This read as the authors first novel, but it was not. I am really disappointed with this one.

I couldn’t connect with this one or the characters. The prose is very beautiful and rich here but I wanted more viking stuff and stronger romantic elements between the leads. However, I think it could just be me here. The story was about Tova who was found at six years old on the shore by a surrogate father, Jorrund. She was in a funeral boat that was partially burned out and it was obvious to him that she was a kyrr truthtongue which is a seer of sorts that uses stones like runes and reads them. He decides to use this to his political advantage and tells her that she was a sacrifice to the gods by her people. She grew up thinking that. The Svell whom she lived with hated her for being the messenger of bad things. They treated her like the things she saw where her fault even though they were the ones that would ask for the readings, mostly during dire situations or in times of war. The book is nothing compare to the awesomeness that is sky in the deep . maybe it's my fault for comparing it in the first place, but it's just something that you couldn't help noticing especially because this installment was supposed to be the companion novel to the previous hit release. despite all of its faults with how slightly tedious the plot is, how slow the pacing is, how lacking the character development is, and how abrupt the ending is; I also couldn't bring myself to hate this book completely.

Getting this beauty in the mail was one of the best days ever. I stared in awe at that foil and my husband got sick of me telling him how beautiful it was. But it's not just the outside that I love, its the story and the amazing world that Young built. Do not miss this one!

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for approving a late ARC just prior to release. I was so thrilled to actually receive this book for review upon request. My review opinions are my own.

This is such a exciting book ! I loved that it builds upon the first book Sky In The Deep and takes the reader to full immersion back into the world of Sky in the Deep. Back into the author's brilliant creation of the world of Vikings and ancient Gods was a fantastic read ! The author is so talented at creation of their world with every detail done to perfection and each charcter brilliantly well crafted .

The story takes place ten years after Sky in the Deep. The new characters are fascinating as are the returning charcters. This is action packed and I was unable to put this book down. The Truthtongue ( my favorite charcter) who uses stones with runes to see into the past, present, and future is a great charcter that adds depth and mysticism to the story.

I loved this book and highly recommend it. My review is cross posted. I look, forward to further works by this fine author.

Since the summary only mentions a girl named Tova I was surprised when a majority of the book focused on Halvard. Had I known the book was going to spend so much time following him I probably wouldnt have been as disapointed when I realized Tova was going to share more than half the page time with another character. Halvard was the love interests sweet little brother in the first book and even though he has grown since then he's still very kind and just. He's also humble and unsure of his ability to lead, but when he cant avoid war any longer he steps up to lead his people. I enjoyed seeing the characters from Sky in the Deep, but it took me a minute to place all of them and I would have liked to see more of what Eelyn was up to ten years later. We do get to spend some time with her father Aghi in Halvards chapters since the two of them have grown close and Aghi has become like a father to him.

Despite enjoying Tovas storyline the most, I never fully connected with her or got to know her that well. Shes learned how to make herself useful in order to survive and spends most of her time sheltered away practicing her bow and hunting in the nearby forest. I felt like the romance came out of nowhere and didnt have any true foundation to stand on. They seemed to have this mystical bond because their fates are intertwined, but thats not enough to justify their feelings since they havent had more than two short conversations. I did enjoy the relationship between Tova and the man who taught to her how to use a bow and knife to defend herself from the clansmen who kept trying to kill her. I was surprised she hadnt tried to rebel against the clan who treated her terribly ever since they found her as a child, but decided not kill her so they could use her ability to see into the future.

I thought her ability to read the future by casting stones was one of the best parts of the world. The reading isn't very detailed, but it shows future themes and events like war, victory, and death. The Spinners were also very interesting with the way they weave fate that even the Gods cannot change. I liked the way they were connected to the enemy attacks from the first book. I wish we got a bit more information about the different Gods and their powers. I didnt realize the Gods or the Spinners could bring people back from the dead. I wanted to see more of the differences between the viking clans like what traditions made them unique. We do see how much more accepting the people in Halvards clan are compared to the clan who took in Tova. We also learn how Tovas tattoos have meaning in her clan and how stone castings effect every aspect of their lives. I would have liked more immersive descriptions of the setting.

The writing was alright, but the pace was very slow and not even the threat of war added any real tension or excitement to the plot. Plus the fact that I didnt get to know the protagonists that well or see much character development made it even harder to stay interested in the story. I finally decided to switch over to the audiobook about half way through and that really helped. I was still disappointed that we werent told the reading from the last stone casting. If you do want to pick this up I highly recommend reading Sky in the Deep first as this one spoils everything that happens in that one. I personally didnt like how we got an entire chapter recapping one of the scenes from the first book because it felt like a waste of my time. I was really hoping to love this one, but I think the first book was better. Im sure other people will love this, but it just didnt work for me.

I was given this arc by netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. This book was highly anticipated by a ton of people and I wilk say it did not disappoint. I absolutely loved this book. This was my very first book by ms. Young and deffinetly wont be my last.

I haven't ever read anything by this author but the description and cover-art really grabbed my attention. It was pretty good and somewhat reminded me of the Crown of Thorns series. I would recommend novel and look forward to seeing more from her when I get finished with her previous novel.
Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 stars

<i>**I voluntarily read and reviewed a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**</i>

I have to be honest, I didn't love <a href="https://bookreviewsbydi.blogspot.com/2018/04/review-sky-in-deep-adrienne-young_7.html">Sky in the Deep</a> but there was something that I really did enjoy in the writing and in the way the premise and the author's intentions compelled me to keep reading.

Unfortunately I just couldn't find the same thread in 'The Girl the Sea Gave Back' and while I was so excited that Young was returning to this world and had such high hopes that she would improve upon it I ended up unable to connect to the characters and unable to feel invested in the plot itself.

I couldn't enjoy the barely there romance which was <i>extremely</i> shaky and poorly built (but wait, it's destiny isn't it?), nor could I find any spark in the world building which I felt relied too heavily upon it's companion novel (which even though I have read, I don't remember enough of the details).

I feel like this just read so much more like a debut than the actual debut and I can't help but be dissapointed.

My request on NetGalley was approved by the publisher, so thank you Wednesday Books / St. Martin's Press!

The Girl The Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young

My Rating: 4 / 5 🌟

Although Sky In The Deep is a standalone, I had a feeling the story wasn't finish. And when I found out about this spin-off, I was ecstatic and couldn't wait to explore the world again but this time, in a different setting and a different time. Going into this book, I didn't have the highest of expectations nor read the synopsis, as my interest for this book was getting thinner as time passed by.

But once I started the first chapter, I was instantly hooked. Despite taking longer than I usually do to finish this book, I was completely mesmerized by the story that had been laid out by Adrienne Young.

The story follows Tova, a Truthtongue, also an outcast among the Svell, and Halvard, the first generation of the Nādhir, made from the peace between the two clan enemies, Aska and Riki.

Reading it from their point of views was definitely the perfect way to tell this story. Apart from knowing their inner thoughts, we get to see everything that was happening on both sides. And my favorite part, seeing how it all intertwine with each other as the story progresses.

Both Tova's and Halvard's narrative worked really well with the story as well as their characteristics. Tova's vulnerability and Halvard's righteousness absolutely suited the story that Adrienne wanted to tell in this
book.

The struggle to do what's right was a continuous theme throughout the book, not only for the main characters but also the side characters. And the consequences that followed their actions served the plot of the story very seamlessly without feeling as if it was out of place.

In the end, I absolutely love The Girl The Sea Gave Back and I am so happy with the story Adrienne has wrote as a conclusion to this world. I will most definitely be rereading this book, along with Sky In The Deep, in the future and I absolutely cannot wait to read them continuously to get a better understanding and impact from the stories combined together.

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I got the opportunity to ask Adrienne Young, the author of the book, a few questions about "The Girl The Sea Gave Back"!

And yes, this interview is SPOILER FREE.

1. Considering "Sky In The Deep" is a standalone, what made you decided to write a spin-off?
A: Honestly, I just wasn't ready to leave this world. I felt like Eelyn's story was completed and that I didn't have a doorway to continue with her in a way I would have wanted to, but SKY IN THE DEEP ends with the door wide open on the future of the world. I wanted to explore what the landscape looks like after the events of SKY because they really did change everything.

2. The story is told in dual point of views, and one of them is from a new character. How early on did you knew that Halvard wasn't going to be alone to tell this story?
A: I knew very early on that there would be another main character in SEA, and I had the picture of Tova in my head, but didn't know anything about her. It was a really interesting process to watch her develop because I didn't have as much time as I usually do to let the story come together. 

3. Would you say Eelyn (Sky In The Deep) and Tova (The Girl The Sea Gave Back) are more similar to each other or more different than each other?
A: They are really different. Eelyn is so obvious in her strength and passion and Tova is much more reserved. She's fierce in a completely different way. She's very internal and smart. She wouldn't be able to do a lot of the things Eelyn does in battle, but she has a lot of power when it comes to her ability to strategize and see what lays ahead. 

4. With two companion novels already written, do you think you will ever revisit this world again to write another story?
A: Right now, I don't have plans to write another story in this world, but never say never! If the right idea came along, I would absolutely revisit it.

5. For the readers who are still hesitating to pick up "The Girl The Sea Gave Back", why do you think they should give it a go?
A: I really believe that books find their readers. Whether it's the allure of the cover, a friend recommending it, or someone giving the book as a gift, I think they land where they're supposed to. If someone doesn't feel drawn to the book, it might not be the right time to read it or honestly - it might not be the book for them! If you loved SKY, you will probably love SEA, but I'm confident this story will find her readers at the right time.

The Girl the Sea Gave Back is a letdown as far as Viking lore goes. That is not to say that it is terrible but rather dull as Young failed and creating engaging characters. Tova is a stiff and stoic character. Sometimes authors can make that working to their advantage. However, here it failed. Nothing is engaging about Tova as far as her narrative goes. Her voice, the tensions surrounding her and the world that she lives in it not captivating. It is easy to pity the character, but it is hard to empathize with or root for her. She is just a name on a page and not strong enough to drive the story forward.

Now Tova has a special gift for she can read the runes and see the future. This is the part of the story that is engaging. However, the fault of the story the tension surrounding her ability to see the future brings out another Viking tribe and the demise of those who have harbored her for her gift. Her visions create strife within the tribe itself as well as with another tribe, ultimately leading to war. This brings in another perspective while giving the novel more scope; his voice is also not very captivating.

Now, the pacing of the novel falters as well. It has a slow beginning, and the flashbacks take the reader out of the story. The flashbacks do not work with how the build-up of the story. They break up the flow and progression of the story by going back and forth in a non-linear way. It does help to build up the character dynamics, but the unsteady momentum does not allow the reader to connect to the character in any way.

Admittedly, the last fifteen chapters of the novel are fast-paced and differ from the previous chapters in the novel. Those last fifteen chapters are invigorating and action-packed. While the character development still is not strong enough, and the dynamics feel slightly forced, the ending does make the novel worthwhile.

firstly would like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for sending this digital E-Arc my way.

this book was a good book, its definitely got many good parts throughout this but for me I just couldn't really connect with the characters and sadly I just wasn't really as invested in this book as I wanted too.what I did love though was the world I loved that it had kind of the same vibes as sky in the deep with its viking setting and viking folklore which was so good to read about still as have really read many viking books. sadly I wanted this book to be so much more than it was which is a shame but nevertheless it was a okay book.

Can't give a review for this book beacuse the copy I recieved was messed up. I was excited to read the book and love the cover. Will just have to check it out the published version

With a gorgeous cover comes a gorgeous novel. While this book moved slower than Sky in the Deep, it still had the marvelous character development, the melodic writing, and all the Viking aesthetic I could ever wish for. I loved the addition of a new character, Tova, and her journey to find out who she is and where she belongs. And I absolutely loved seeing all the characters I miss from Sky in the Deep. It makes my heart so happy to know what Eelyn and Fiske have been up to, and this book made me fall in love with Halvard.

This book is deeply intrenched in the Viking aesthetic, which was my favorite part about reading it. The lore with the gods and their relationships with the people are fascinating and well constructed. In this book, the gods and fate had a greater part to play, especially with Tova, and I enjoyed that different aspect of this world. It seems like the world building grew so much from Sky in the Deep.

I do wish this book was longer. I wanted more substance with Tova's relationships with Jorrund, Gunter, and Halvard. I also just want more of Tova. I feel this book barely scratched the surface of who she is, leaving me with wanting more. However, I did love the insights from the chapters set in the past, and I enjoyed the changing point-of-views between Tova and Halvard.

At its core, this book is about fate and choice, an interesting contradiction to explore. I think it's a worthy sequel to Sky in the Deep, even though it didn't quite live up to my expectations. I still enjoyed it and would reread it again along with Sky in the Deep. Adrienne Young has a talent for storytelling, and I'm quite sad this is her last Viking novel for the time being. But I'm gearing up for her next book, Fable, releasing next year. Without a doubt, she is one of my favorite authors of all time.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you so much to NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book!!

This one was a 3/5 for me, and I’m bummed about it.
I absolutely LOVED Sky In The Deep, but couldn’t connect to these characters the same way. I think that the storyline felt too close the SITD, so I knew where it was going and wasn’t surprised nor invested.

I’ll definitely continue reading what Young puts out because I am intrigued, and want something of hers to top SITD for me. I think she has great potential and I’m excited to see what is next.

I was so so excited for this based on the synopsis and the first couple of chapters, but it waned for me after that.

TLDR: I enjoyed it, but felt its plot/structure were too close the SITD for me to get fully investing in the plot or characters. Will definitely continue reading what Adrienne Young releases

Here’s another example of a cover that has a model but is still super cool to look at. Notably, she’s wearing clothes appropriate to her character and it depicts a scene that seems to connect with the title and description pretty well. Always love to see that! But, cover aside, I really decided to check this book out based on my enjoyment of the author’s previous book, “Sky in the Deep.” As I mentioned in the Highlights post, it’s always exciting to find standalone fantasy novels. And when you have an author who chooses to write multiple standalones, but in the same world, it’s like getting your cake and eating it, too.

Tova’s remembered life began alone, cold on the sea. It’s only through fate, it seems, that her small craft washes up on shore and she is taken in by a people who are both mystified and wary of her mysterious origins and the power she possesses. As a young woman, she is drawn into a brewing conflict, both internal and external, as the Svell people debate the merits of war. With two of the major tribes having joined together, the Svell see this as their time to rise. But Tova sees darkness ahead. Will they listen to their own mystic, or is she, and the young warrior Halvard from the opposing tribe, doomed to be caught up in another round of warfare?

Sadly, this book wasn’t as much of a hit for me as the first one. I think there are a few factors, but first I want to talk about the things I did like. I was again pleased to return to this world that Young has created. The Viking-like mythology is still intriguing, as is the way of life and cultures that are described for the various clans. The writing itself is still solid and I think she did a good job balancing out introducing new characters and themes, while also giving readers a few peaks at what is going on with beloved characters and arcs from the first book.

All of that said, however, I just wasn’t able to connect with this story the way I was able to with the first. Part of this might come down to the dueling narrators. Having two narrators means that the author needs to balance two characters’ worth of story, emotional motivation, and overall arc with only half the page time that one alone would have. There are obviously benefits in getting to see various characters’ differing perspectives, but it’s still quite challenging. Here, I think both main characters suffered for the lack of full devotion to either.

Halvard, to some extent, was better served in the fact that I at least was familiar with him from the first book and had a bit more emotional investment right off the bat. Tova, however, the titular “girl the sea gave back” always felt a bit bland. Her backstory is intriguing, and her life growing up as a powerful mystic but one who is still seen as an outsider in the clan that has adopted her is compelling. But for some reason, I struggled to fully invest in her story. In the end, both main characters lack the spark that gave life to the main character from the first book.

The plot was also incredibly predictable. To some extent, the same could be said of “Sky in the Deep,” but I think there was enough of a personal arc of her discovery of her brother in the midst of her enemy’s camp and the slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance to keep the plot failings afloat. But, as discussed, with flat characters, the plot failings become much more apparent. Must of the story revolves around a discussion of fate and destiny. These themes can be compelling if taken apart and contrasted against free will and choice. But here they are simply wielded as clumsy explanations for why unlikely events occurred, hand-waving away coincidences one way and another.

“Destiny” also killed the romance of this story. For one, there was simply a lot less of one than there was in the first, which I personally found disappointing. But for two, what romance we were given was one meet-cute away from instalove, right down to the almost deadly brawl that somehow ends with a “connection.” With all of that destiny and intertwinedness to go around, the reader is never given a reason to root for these two, as we’ve been told from the start that it is simply meant to be. The characters don’t need to build up feelings for each other, they just know they’re there, even across time and space almost.

Overall, this was a very flat story for me. I struggled to find anything to connect to and by the end reading it felt more like a chore to get through. How disappointing, based on the strength of the first story and the fact that the author clearly has skills. In many ways, it almost feels like this would be the author’s first book, and that one the one she pulls out later in all of its more-polished glory. I’m not writing the author off completely, as I know she has good stories in her. This one just wasn’t one of them.

Rating 6: Fans of the first book should beware that this is in many ways “Sky in the Deep” lite.

Thank you NetGalley for the review!

This was my first book from Young so for me, it did read like a debut novel and was just ok for me. I know a lot of people were super excited for the book then I realized its sort of a companion novel to Sky in the Deep. Its a very beautifully written book. I do plan on reading Sky in the Deep as well.