binzpr's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
rays_reading_rainbow's review
2.0
Oh man. This was hard to get through. A small piece of this story is the only reason I held out. The fate that these two characters are in twined with was what I held out for. The story around that would have been awesome but it kept jumping to the past and filled with a bunch of nothing. Very disappointing.
ikarichelle's review
4.0
One of the things I enjoyed immensely about Sky in the Deep was that it was a standalone book. As much as I love series, good standalones are treasured finds, so I was really happy that this wasn't a sequel, but it was still set in the same world.
There didn't seem to be a lot of world building for this story. It wasn't really anything that relied on the first book, but I'll admit it was a bit difficult to get into at first. A lot the history unfolded through the story as the main character, Tova, found out about things herself, which was an interesting choice. I liked that it was more real time for finding things out, but I feel like a little bit more background might've been helpful in having it less confusing.
I enjoyed that it was mostly a story about finding a place in the world. There was a very slight element of fated romance, but it was faint and towards the very end. I like that it wasn't one of the big strings that tied the two main characters together.
Adrienne really has a gift for her writing flow poetically. Her settings really work well because the people whom she writes about trust in nature and are people of the Earth. They take from it, but also give thanks. You can see a lot of Adrienne's personality through her writing. I get the sense of mindfulness and being at peace with her surroundings. I think that's one of the reasons why I enjoy reading her books so much. They bring me to a tranquil place.
I gave this book a solid 4 stars.
There didn't seem to be a lot of world building for this story. It wasn't really anything that relied on the first book, but I'll admit it was a bit difficult to get into at first. A lot the history unfolded through the story as the main character, Tova, found out about things herself, which was an interesting choice. I liked that it was more real time for finding things out, but I feel like a little bit more background might've been helpful in having it less confusing.
I enjoyed that it was mostly a story about finding a place in the world. There was a very slight element of fated romance, but it was faint and towards the very end. I like that it wasn't one of the big strings that tied the two main characters together.
Adrienne really has a gift for her writing flow poetically. Her settings really work well because the people whom she writes about trust in nature and are people of the Earth. They take from it, but also give thanks. You can see a lot of Adrienne's personality through her writing. I get the sense of mindfulness and being at peace with her surroundings. I think that's one of the reasons why I enjoy reading her books so much. They bring me to a tranquil place.
I gave this book a solid 4 stars.
sbrads's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
labarrec's review
2.0
Best word to describe this book...UNNECESSARY.
It’s set 10 yrs after Sky in the Deep and based around a minor character. A guy and a girl from different tribes have a thing for each other...sound familiar? Except they spend maybe 20 seconds together and there is ABSOLUTELY no point or depth to anything in this book. I loved Sky I’m the Deep so much I bought these both and let’s just say total waste.
It’s set 10 yrs after Sky in the Deep and based around a minor character. A guy and a girl from different tribes have a thing for each other...sound familiar? Except they spend maybe 20 seconds together and there is ABSOLUTELY no point or depth to anything in this book. I loved Sky I’m the Deep so much I bought these both and let’s just say total waste.
erinevelynreads's review
3.0
Ever since she washed up on the shore as a child, Tova has lived among the Svell people. Never truly viewed as an equal, she uses her gift as a Truthtongue, an interpreter of runes, to help the Svell. Now the leaders of the Svell are divided on the subject of war and turn to Tova to cast the stones to decide their fate. In doing so she sets off a chain of events that will change her world forever.
To be honest, I didn’t love this book. When I started it I was unaware that it was sort of a sequel to the Sky in the Deep, and I think that was part of the problem. I quickly became confused with the story. There was a lot of similar-sounding names and characters, and I had a hard time keeping track of who was who and what tribe they were apart of, etc.
I liked both Tova and Halvard as characters and enjoyed their unique perspectives. The story was interesting, but not compelling, and by the time I became interested in the storyline and the characters, the book was mostly over.
I think this was really an example of judging the book by the cover. I instantly fell in love with the gorgeous cover art and intriguing title and thought the story would have more to do with the sea and mythology. Instead, it was focused on war, superstition, and belonging. It was a good story, just not for me.
To be honest, I didn’t love this book. When I started it I was unaware that it was sort of a sequel to the Sky in the Deep, and I think that was part of the problem. I quickly became confused with the story. There was a lot of similar-sounding names and characters, and I had a hard time keeping track of who was who and what tribe they were apart of, etc.
I liked both Tova and Halvard as characters and enjoyed their unique perspectives. The story was interesting, but not compelling, and by the time I became interested in the storyline and the characters, the book was mostly over.
I think this was really an example of judging the book by the cover. I instantly fell in love with the gorgeous cover art and intriguing title and thought the story would have more to do with the sea and mythology. Instead, it was focused on war, superstition, and belonging. It was a good story, just not for me.
auburnedge's review
3.0
Was it good? Yes. Did I enjoy the premise? Yes. Did it amaze and wow me? No. Did I fall in love with the romance? Uh hard pass. It felt disjointed.
So this is a Dual POV book and it bounces from Tova to Halvard. But it also bounces in time. So it felt like I needed a road map to navigate just what was happening when. The book felt more like a bunch of short stories that were supposed to lead to the next book.
So this is a Dual POV book and it bounces from Tova to Halvard. But it also bounces in time. So it felt like I needed a road map to navigate just what was happening when. The book felt more like a bunch of short stories that were supposed to lead to the next book.
morawynsmom's review
3.0
I was not as disappointed in this book as everyone else seems to be but I can tell for sure where people are coming from. This story was beautifully crafted, whimsical and told like an old Norse story. But it just didn't hold the same magic that Sky in the Deep did. The romance was not even neccessary, I would have maybe preferred just Halvard or Tova's story and not the combination. Oh well. Fiske still has my heart
sierramgoose's review
4.0
A fun, fast read for me. I knocked off a star because I felt like I didn't get to hang out with Tova enough for it to be HER story. I loved Halvard, but I think his perspective drowned out Tova's a little too much. Also, that ending? C'mon. I wanna know what the read was! Don't make me guess. Spell it out for me. Lol.
seatordahl's review
5.0
Although this may seem like a sequel to Sky in the Deep, it’s much more of a companion novel because it doesn’t directly follow the first protagonist, Eelyn. However, fans of Sky in the Deep will definitely enjoy the references back to Eelyn’s story. I won’t give away any surprises, but you won’t be disappointed if you want to know a bit more about the fate of Eelyn, Fiske, Iri, Myra, Aghi, and Halvard! But make no mistake, The Girl the Sea Gave Back is definitely Tova’s time to shine.
Yet again, Adrienne Young has written another badass female protagonist - which is why I love each of her books so much. And although they all feature very different women, they are each strong and powerful in their own way, Tova included. I admire Tova’s perseverance and willingness to survive, even under such hostile conditions and her story’s ending is just so satisfying. There’s also something about a character that finds their family, home, true friends, etc. in non-traditional ways that really just hits home for me. Your people, family, clan, tribe - your whatever - is truly that group of people who have your back, just as much as you have theirs…not matter how - or when - you find them.
Ugh, I just adore Adrienne Young’s books so much. Each one feels like a warm hug or that first hot cup of coffee in the morning while it’s still cradled in your hands.
What I loved most about this book: The atmosphere building. I always feel fully submerged in the world that Adrienne Young builds in her writing. It’s absolutely beautiful!
My favorite character: Halvard. (That’s all I’m saying!)
My favorite quote: There were several, but the two that hit me the hardest were:
“They weren’t afraid of battle. They were afraid of losing what they loved. And that’s what made them brave in battle.”
“The only thing that burned hotter than the fury in Aghi’s daughter was her love.” (Because I feel Eelyn and I are absolutely the same kind. I’m attached to her.)
What I liked least about this book: I only wish we got a little more background on the Kyrr and Svell, or even each of the clans! I always love some extra history - or a map!
So go grab a copy! It’s a quick, enjoyable read. I just recommend reading Sky In The Deep first (of course) - not just because it’s one of my favorite books of all time, but because you’ll have a better understanding of Tova’s world and other characters’ histories. It’s not vital, but I highly recommend it.
Yet again, Adrienne Young has written another badass female protagonist - which is why I love each of her books so much. And although they all feature very different women, they are each strong and powerful in their own way, Tova included. I admire Tova’s perseverance and willingness to survive, even under such hostile conditions and her story’s ending is just so satisfying. There’s also something about a character that finds their family, home, true friends, etc. in non-traditional ways that really just hits home for me. Your people, family, clan, tribe - your whatever - is truly that group of people who have your back, just as much as you have theirs…not matter how - or when - you find them.
Ugh, I just adore Adrienne Young’s books so much. Each one feels like a warm hug or that first hot cup of coffee in the morning while it’s still cradled in your hands.
What I loved most about this book: The atmosphere building. I always feel fully submerged in the world that Adrienne Young builds in her writing. It’s absolutely beautiful!
My favorite character: Halvard. (That’s all I’m saying!)
My favorite quote: There were several, but the two that hit me the hardest were:
“They weren’t afraid of battle. They were afraid of losing what they loved. And that’s what made them brave in battle.”
“The only thing that burned hotter than the fury in Aghi’s daughter was her love.” (Because I feel Eelyn and I are absolutely the same kind. I’m attached to her.)
What I liked least about this book: I only wish we got a little more background on the Kyrr and Svell, or even each of the clans! I always love some extra history - or a map!
So go grab a copy! It’s a quick, enjoyable read. I just recommend reading Sky In The Deep first (of course) - not just because it’s one of my favorite books of all time, but because you’ll have a better understanding of Tova’s world and other characters’ histories. It’s not vital, but I highly recommend it.