Ever since last year when I first heard about Sky in the Deep I have been incredibly excited to read it. Being so excited about a book never usually works out too well for me as I tend to over hype it and ultimately end up disappointed.
Thankfully, this was not the case for Sky in the Deep.
Adrienne Young's writing is simply wonderful and her story hooked me right from the first page. Sky in the Deep is an epic story of a female viking navigating life, battles and family loyalty.
After finishing this book, I'm already excited for more of Adrienne's writing!

Sky in the Deep certainly had me turning pages with its Viking, semi-fantasy setting, and the protagonist, Eelyn, is fierce and frustrating in real and wonderful ways. I had been on a real YA drought for awhile, but 2018 seems to be full of really rich female characters who defy many expectations. This book has a lot of real strengths from its exploration of family, grief, and prejudice. I also appreciated getting to experience battle from a female warrior's perspective. There is a love story here as well, but it sneaks up on the reader, much like it sneaks up on Eelyn. I had some issues with the pacing, and a few things come together a little too pat in the end. However, overall, this story pretty much rocked.

This book is a freaking brutal masterpiece! Action packed and will leave you biting your nails in anticipation as to what will happen next. No one said that the viking life would be easy!

Thank you to St. Martins Press And Netgalley for sending me the arc of this book!

This book was everything I expected and more! I loved everything about it: The plot, the characters, the pace, the fact that there was such a strong female main character. It was a storyline unlike any I’ve ever read before. I read this book in two sittings, I honestly couldn’t put it down!

I loved this book. The story had everything I look for in one place. Truth be told, I read it in one sitting. 

The story of the Aska and the Riki will stay with me for some time. A gentle reminder that we can change our fates, and that understanding is the key to a life of peace.

I have been waiting with baited breath to get my hands on Sky In The Deep. And let me tell you up front - it did not disappoint. I found the first chapter of the novel online a few months ago, and it immediately grabbed my attention. It's a young adult fantasy about vikings, and the female MC, Eelyn, is both tough and likeable. As soon as the story starts, the reader is thrown into a whirlwind of battle along with Eelyn - 'in medias res,' as they say. We learn in the first chapter that Eelyn's brother is thought to have been dead for years, yet during the fight she spots him amongst the enemy warriors, and this is where her adventure begins. 

This fast pace is maintained throughout the rest of the novel, where Eelyn finds herself tangled up with the clan her long-lost brother abandoned his family for. The plot is intriguing, the world-building is well done, and ultimately this is a book that's difficult to put down. It encompasses betrayal and forgiveness, hate and understanding, and what it means to be a family. That was one of my favourite things about Sky In The Deep: the relationships. Though Eelyn is a warrior through and through, just like her father, they still obviously share a deep love for one another. The same goes for Eelyn and her best friend, Myra, who always have each other's backs and are able to work through the tensions that threaten to separate them towards the end of the book. Then there is the male love interest, who helps Eelyn learn that sometimes your family are the people you choose. This is by no means insta-love, by the way; the relationship is complex and slow-building, following the evolution of Eelyn's trust. 

Sky In The Deep builds to a climax that is tense and exciting, and wraps up on a note that leaves the reader feeling fulfilled. It is not only Eelyn that has a learning curve to navigate in this story - together with her friends she is able to help her clan undergo a transition as well. Though I would love more of this story, I can't deny that the ending came at a perfect time, and there is nothing lacking that would require a sequel. It was a wild ride, yet my heart is happy.

The Aska villages strengthen for battle every five years in the name of Sigr, including seventeen year old Eelyn and her father. Occupying the coastal villages of the fjord, it is an honour for a warrior to represent her clan, wielding her weapons beside Mýra, her friend and fellow warrior. Five years after the loss of her brother during battle, he is seen in the forest depths, ending the lives of those who wept for the young man taken from their community, now warring alongside those he had once vowed to destroy.

Seventeen year old shield maiden Eelyn is gallant and courageous, an Aska warrior compelled by the memory of her deceased brother. Five years has elapsed as the violent crusade commenced in the name of Sigr, as Eelyn strengthens her resolve alongside her father and friend Mýra. The Riki converge to defend their honour and sanctity when Eelyn is overwhelmed by a Riki combatant, shielded by her brother upon the killing fields of Hylli. Her brother whose body was ostensibly forsaken to the wintry landscape.

Eelyn is wounded and captured by Fiske, a Riki warrior and kinsman to Eelyn's brother, transported to the village of Fela. Eelyn is hostile, denouncing her brother who has brought disgrace upon her family, the Aska and Sigr, the Scandinavian deity. An Aska warrior is a disposable commodity and to ensure Eelyn's protection while recovering from her wounds, Eelyn unwillingly becomes a dýr of servitude, to be traded after the winter dissolves. Eelyn is placed in the steel collar of a dýr and although Fiske's family are initially mistrusting, Eelyn is only expected to perform domestic duties rather than sexual as the narrative insinuates. 

The Aska and Riki are being decimated by the Herja. The Herja are ruthless and inhumane, indiscriminately pillaging villages along the fjord by massacring entire communities. It is a moment of unification for the Aska and Riki villages, centuries of conflict have created a prejudice between alliances and to reconcile will ensure the survival of both communities. 

I enjoyed the broad mythology of the Viking Iron Age despite being devoid of any significant historical information. The narrative appears to take place within the Nordic Viking Scandinavia homeland rather than maritime, although the Aska villages are situated along the fjord, a ravine created by a glacier. The native language used is also fictionalised throughout the advanced readers copy and I hope the finalised novel will provide readers with a glossary. 

Sky In The Deep is magnificent. I was captivated by Eelyn and her resistance, her strength and humanity. The prose is captivating, the fictional wintry Scandinavian landscape is beautifully cinematic, exhilarating and atmospheric.

Something about vikings, a bit of fantasy, and historical romance has always fascinated me. This story melds all of these themes perfectly and delivers a story that punches you in the face and then pulls you in a fierce and breathless hug. Eelyn is a young Aska warrior, fighting alongside her father against Riki village raiders. Then one day, she sees someone she never thought she'd see again, her brother she watched die years ago. Her world is suddenly turned upside down when she's taken by the same village she'd sworn were her enemies, and forced to face her brother's betrayal. With every fiber of her being, she is determined to be free from them, and Fiske, the enigmatic Riki warrior who can't decide whether he wants to keep her alive or dead. However a greater danger looms over them, and soon they find themselves in the fight of their lives, and struggling to unite the warring clans to face this newest evil. Once you start this book, you won't be able to put it down. 
It's rare that I find books that take me on a journey from the start, and have me feeling what the main character feels. This book does exactly that. You feel Eelyn's pain, anger, sense of loss, and love throughout the entire story. I have never felt so on the edge of my seat before. She weaves words seamlessly into a wonderful cloth that wraps around you, taking you into the world of Aska and Riki. Young's descriptions are so vivid, I could imagine it all,  the cold of the fjords, the ice and snow of the mountains, I can't wait to see what this wonderful author will write next.

"I'll go where you go."
This book is 100% pure Viking awesomeness.
Again, initially the cover is what caught my eye, I mean it's so gorgeous. I felt super lucky when the publisher actually granted my wish.
I loved how the book started right away with some action. The fighting scenes actually had me at the edge of my seat honestly so I really liked how the book actually provided much more action than some other books which actually promised it but failed to live up to it.
I also liked how Eelyn was a very strong, badass female character and adored her relationship with Myra and Fiske. The author truly provided us with the reasons for Eelyn's being the way she was and she wasn't just another female character that was killing people unapologetically. We truly get to know her and her motivations. The book was very raw and brutal. I was definitely 100% invested in the story which hasn't happened in a while to me. I also loved all the hair braiding, the kohl, the traditions of both the clans and the whole setting of the novel. It made me want to wish to be a badass Aska warrior.
The only thing I did not like was that this book ended because I genuinely wanted more.
The book was also written very well (like really well). I'm definitely waiting for more from Adrienne Young.
I can't reveal much about the story without spoiling it, so go grab a copy ASAP!
4.5/5
I want to thank NetGalley, the author and St. Martin's press for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much for granting my wish!

I am not ashamed to say that I read this in one sitting.
Adrienne Young is on the right path to becoming one of my favourite authors of all time. If she keeps writing the way she does, that is.

Because she writes like a goddess. As long as her stories are as magical as her writing, her future books will always be winners. Every sentence was a straight up piece of art. I kept staring at the pages like TELL ME HOW TO WRITE LIKE THIS. I was completely entranced the whole way through and loved every single scene SO much... it just kept getting better and better. The entire story was beyond gorgeous yet brutal because well, this is a book about vikings after all.

The characters are so three-dimensional and original. Eelyn is who we all want to be when we grow up. She's SO much more than the cliche trailblazing female warrior or angsty misunderstood character. She's a super tough warrior and just felt incredibly real. 

I've never been more excited for a book to release so all my friends can get their grubby paws on and read it!

This book started out a little rocky for me. I felt disconnected from the story and most of the characters. A lot of the time I was angry and frustrated with the main character (I thought she was too weak emotionally) as well as the side characters. What kept me reading was the unique topic! I don’t think I’ve ever read anything with Vikings in ya. I really enjoyed that aspect as well as the descriptions. The author did a super job using lyrical explanations to describe the atmosphere and the main character’s emotions (sometimes almost too well, to the point I agreed with the Eelyn’s opinions of certain people at an unforgiving extent). What made this book worth reading for me was the last 75% the fight scenes were fantastic I felt a little more connected to some of the characters and *SPOILER* I liked that Eelyn was loyal to her people.

Sky in the Deep made me feel empowered.

I loved everything that this little book had to offer and I am going to try to contain my fangirling to sound coherent.

Adrienne broke so many barriers in YA it was so refreshing and unique. I loved how this book truly focused on family and staying grounded and true to who you are and what you love while also growing as a person.

The characters. Wow. Through the whole entire book I was so entranced with each and every one of them. Eelyn was special and I have not loved a heroine this much since Raven. I actually felt like I was in her and I was truly feeling everything she was. I felt despair, anger, betrayal, hurt, compassion, love and I couldn’t get enough because she was raw and real. She was not afraid to show her feelings but I never saw that as weakness to her character, it made her realistic and human and that was so incredible to read because so many times in YA these characters feel unreachable and unrealistic but you won’t find that here.

I felt each character had so much depth as well as the world, I could feel the cool wind, smell the fresh air and each scene played so vividly in my head.

I am not going to say anything about the love interest other than you will LOVE him. *heart eyes* Hate to friendship to romance? I’ll NEVER get enough. BEST TROPE EVER.

I adored Eelyn’s brother as well, he was like a giant teddy bear!

My only complaint is that I am BEGGING FOR MORE. PLEASE.

I have so much more to discuss and I’ll post a more in depth review when closer to publish date but I don’t want to spoil anything and I want to finish by saying this is a masterpiece of a book and a piece of Eelyn will always be with me.

Have you ever thought to yourself, "Man, I wish there was a standalone YA novel about Vikings. With a BAMF female warrior protagonist?" Well, friends and followers, you're in luck! Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young is all that and more. It is an extremely satisfying read that left me emotionally invested in the story and its characters, with the brutality and raw action of the battlefield. 

I received an e-galley from St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Note: Quotes are taken from an unfinished copy of the book and are subject to change at publication.

GOODREADS SUMMARY
OND ELDR. BREATHE FIRE.

Raised to be a warrior, seventeen-year-old Eelyn fights alongside her Aska clansmen in an ancient, rivalry against the Riki clan. Her life is brutal but simple: fight and survive. Until the day she sees the impossible on the battlefield—her brother, fighting with the enemy—the brother she watched die five years ago.

Faced with her brother's betrayal, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki, in a village where every neighbor is an enemy, every battle scar possibly one she delivered. But when the Riki village is raided by a ruthless clan thought to be a legend, Eelyn is even more desperate to get back to her beloved family.

She is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend, who sees her as a threat. They must do the impossible: unite the clans to fight together, or risk being slaughtered one by one. Driven by a love for her clan and her growing love for Fiske, Eelyn must confront her own definition of loyalty and family while daring to put her faith in the people she’s spent her life hating.

MY REVIEW
The entire book is told through Eelyn's first-person perspective and Sky in the Deep immediately starts off in the midst of a battle. Typically, I hate when books throw me into a large event without any context because confusion is not a great feeling to start off with. However, the confusion quickly gave way into a heady, fast-paced action sequence filled with sword-swinging warriors and bloody bodies. We don't get battle scenes in every chapter of Sky in the Deep but the ones we do get are very rewarding. Young does not shy away from graphic depictions, which is a huge bonus for me- especially in a Young Adult novel- but can be a turnoff for others.

The pacing of this standalone novel is what makes it so successful, I think. While we are thrown headfirst into battle, the first half of the book is actually spent in domesticity and quiet. As the summary describes, Eelyn must learn to live among the Riki and that means going about doing mundane things, like picking herbs and stoking cooking fires. It's almost peaceful and a stark contrast to the battle between the Asha and Riki that we were first introduced to. Or at least, it would be peaceful if Eelyn didn't have murderous thoughts every other page. I don't fault her for her tenacity- it's what I love about her as a protagonist. She is an unabashed warrior, a fighter honed by numerous killings, with strong survival instincts. When the action picks up again and we brought to the story's climax, there is tremendous emotional payoff.

The relationships explored in Sky in the Deep are simple, but potent. A sister and her blood brother. A woman and a man whose clansmen she had sworn to kill. A warrior and her god. A prisoner and her captor. Eelyn, as a character, is explored through her relationships to various characters and given dimensionality in how she forges these bonds. I found myself getting emotional during several scenes in the Riki village and that's usually so difficult to achieve in standalone novels because of how little time there is to develop primary and secondary characters! 

I rate Sky in the Deep 5/5 stars.

SKY IN THE DEEP is an enjoyable read with a fresh take on fantasy. I loved the Viking-esque elements, and they felt very carefully yet naturally incorporated into the story. The mythology behind the two clans (Riki and Aska) was also well done.

I was surprised by the action scenes, which were almost flawless, and quite gruesome! (Readers beware if you're not a huge fan of blood!)

I think I got a bit lost in the middle; it felt sort of murky and not a lot happened until 50% of the way through. That's when I realized this book is very much character-based rather than plot-based. I actually enjoyed the character development and felt that, given the short time the characters had together, there was a strong emphasis on characters' emotions and how those emotions play out.

My favourite parts of the book definitely had to do with the family dynamics between Iri and Eelyn. I loved reading how their relationship grew and changed!

Overall, an enjoyable read, though much more character-based than plot-based. 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a digital arc of "Sky in the Deep" by Adrienne Young. This book is awesome. The characters are strong and well developed. The setting and style reminded me of the show "The 100" which is something I am always happy to find. I know my students will love this edgy story and think it deserves a spot in any YA library.

I really enjoyed this book. We had a tough female lead who kicked butt. I loved the Viking like atmosphere. The love story was there, but wasn't over powering the rest of the story. The family relationships and the new found friendships were presented in a refreshing way that really kept my interest. The danger of the other clans attacking kept me reading and hoping that my favorite characters would live to see another day. I read on goodreads that there might be another book to go along with this one? I would definitely pick that one up too. I'm curious to see what it would be about.

I stopped reading at 49% - chapter 25.

I'm SO bummed! I knew several people who read ARCs and absolutely adored Sky in the Deep. I was so confident I would too, but then it never sucked me in.

Almost straight away I could feel myself not connecting with the book.

- I thought the writing was mostly telling instead of showing. Particularly in the beginning it was written very much like, <em>"He swung his axe at me. Then I ducked. Then I ran. Then he stabbed me again. Then this happened. Then that happened."</em> It just felt so... procedural? Like it was all written out but there was no emotion.

- I didn't find myself caring about ANYONE. I was just so indifferent and because of that I couldn't get invested. If I didn't care about any of the characters I didn't care about the story... thus I didn't really care about the book.

- I got to 49% and not much had happened. There'd been two battles then a whole lot of chores and grumbling.

Clearly Sky in the Deep does have something going for it because so many people seem to have loved it. I'm really disappointed I wasn't one of them. I guess I just couldn't click with the way it was written and that completely threw me off.

I would encourage you to read an excerpt if you can find one, and if it excites you then absolutely give this book a shot.

WOW!!!   I honestly am in shock - this is one of the best written books I have read in a very long time.   This book has it all - action, romance, tragedy, family, excitement, suspense!   It is ALL THAT you dream of in a YA BOOK!!!   I am putting this author on my radar, I fully expect great things from her in the future!

Eelyn is a warrior, and one day in battle she is about to be killed by a rival clansperson when she is rescued by her brother, whom she thought to be dead. She is soon captured by the rival clan and has to learn why her brother would fight for them and let her family think he was dead.

I really wanted to like this book. It sounded so much like The Cursed Queen and features a badass fighting female warrior, and I think that's fantastic. But this story really dragged for me. It wasn't a compelling read, and the writing was good but not beautiful enough to be enjoyed on its own merit. I believe there is definitely a reader for this book, and it's already garnered more than a few positive reviews on Goodreads, but it is not for me.

Recommended for: teens
Red Flags: fantasy violence
Overall Rating: 3/5 stars

Read-Alikes: The Cursed Queen

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley for the purposes of review.

Thank you to Adrienne Young and her publishers for allowing me an ARC of Sky in the Deep.

What a book!! I am entrenched in the Norwegian/Viking heritage and so when I heard about this book I knew I had to have it!

It delivered on EVERY level. The characters were well thought out and real and emotional. The storylines were straight forward and made sense from start to finish. The world Adrienne created was real and I felt like I was in there and I felt all of the emotions the characters were feeling! 

I was invested in their lives and in their stories. I wanted more. The pages were not enough. I’d have flipped through twice as many, devouring ever page.

It was a fast read as well. It’s called YA, but I don’t know what makes it YA and what doesn’t? I guess I don’t care either way. I call it a great book. Categorize it however you want!

I know on it’s release date I will be at my bookstore to snatch it up!

Five giant stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️