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

The Girl the Sea Gave Back is a YA fantasy companion novel to Sky in the Deep, Adrienne Young's debut novel.


This book takes place a decade after the events of Sky in the Deep. We follow the story of two main characters, Tova and Halvard, the latter of whom we met as a child in Sky in the Deep.


I read Sky In the Deep earlier this year and while I did not love that book, I felt that Young showed a great deal of promise as a writer. The plot and pacing were both fantastic, especially considering that it is a standalone fantasy.


I was expecting an even more enjoyable follow up in The Girl the Sea Gave Back, but unfortunately this book left me disappointed. The two great elements I was fully expecting, plot and pacing, were both missing here. I thought the plot was mediocre, and the story moved so slowly.


Well developed characters can easily make me love a slow book, but that was also lacking in this one. I didn't connect with either of the main characters, which honestly surprised me because I loved Halvard's character in Sky in the Deep, and was so looking forward to reading from his POV.


Adrienne Young's writing is still solid in this book, but good writing only takes you so far. I would definitely recommend Sky in the Deep, but The Girl the Sea Gave Back is a definite pass for me.

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.

I was so looking forward to reading this, and it did not disappoint! Thgis one is a companion novel to Sky in the Deep, so it's set in the same world and many of those characters are mentioned, but they are not the focus.

Tova is a truthtongue, someone who can see into the future by casting stones. She is feared but also valued by the Svell, a clan whose shores she washed up on as a child. Told that her original clan sacrificed her, she has no choice but to try to fit in among the Svell, even as they go to war with a third clan, the Nadhir.

The Nadhir's leader-in-training is Halvard, and he is trying to find his place among the clan, and decide for himself if he is truly worthy of leading. When he meets Tova, it could change the future of both their clans.

The world-building continued in this book, which I loved. There were some awesome flashbacks to the early lives of Halvard and Tova, which let me get to know both of them better.

A couple things I wish I could change about this book: there weren't enough interactions between the two main characters. I felt like their plot line was rushed. I also felt like the book itself was a little too short. I would have liked for it to flesh out more of the war between the clans, or to see more in the end. Overall, though, I fell just as deeply for this book as I did for Adrienne Young's first, and I am looking forward to any other books she writes.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I just finished reading The Girl the Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young and I could not put it down. I could see where it was probably going but I didn’t know how it was going to get there and I enjoyed finding out!

Tova and Halvard were wonderfully sympathetic characters. Their struggles were mine and I felt every inch of their stress. The supporting characters were captivating as well. So was the world that was created around them.

I love anything centered on mythology and fate. This story won me over almost instantly. I sincerely hope there are more books centered around Tova and Halvard coming soon!

Well, I am really glad that I paused after initially starting this one to first read Sky in the Deep! Though marketed as a standalone, the world-building and introduction of characters in the first book definitely added to my enjoyment of this one. I really don't think that I would have liked it nearly as much. Stylistically, this book is definitely separate and so despite the setting and characters, the book doesn't really feel like it is the same series. Where the first book is told exclusively through Eelyn's perspective, this one offers a few different voices. The main narrative is split between Tova, the titular girl from the sea, and Halvard, first introduced in Sky in the Deep as the friendly younger brother of Fiske. But, ten years have passed and Halvard has more responsibilities than you would have guessed. Tova is something of a foundling of the Svell's Tala who found the Kyrr girl in a boat.

Tensions and battle rise between Halvard's people and those that have begrudgingly taken in Tova and the plot revolves around this. The storyline isn't exactly unexpected or unpredictable, although it's still an exciting read that follows a fast pace. The ending unfortunately feels a bit abrupt and I really hope that the next book is a sequel that follows the events here more immediately. It's not quite a cliffhanger here, but rather close...

Die-hard Sky In The Deep fans may be a little disappointed because this one has a very different format and some of the more beloved characters play little more than cameos here. The two main narratives overlap at times which gives the book an odd feeling of repetition that feels unneeded. It also slows down the pacing. I had a harder time immediately connecting with Tova, but by the end, I am anxious to see what comes next!

The girl the sea gave back by adrienee young was deftintally one of my most anticpataed reads for 2019! So, when the publisher sent me this arc I screamed, because I was super excited for it. It took me a litle while to read the arc cause I coudln't get into it while reading it. But when the audiobook and my pre-order arrived I flew this book.
This follows the same characters we met in sky in the deep so you do have to read that one in order to read this sequel/compiaion novel! The setting was amazing. These characters were awesome. I loved all the battle scene that we got they were written better than her first book.
Now don't get me wrong I really enjoyed sky in the deep when I read it last year but even though this is her second novel you can tell she has grown already and that's amazing!
I would totally recemeond this book. I listen to the audiobook which was narratrated by: Dan Bittner & Caitlin Kelly! Who these two have quickly became my favorite narrators this!
So yes people who are reading this review I do recemond this book to everyone I know!(:

Adrienne Young's The Girl the Sea Gave Back is a companion novel to the authors Sky in the Deep. Once again, the author dives deep into Norse mythology to tell her story. Apparently, this story takes place 10 years after Sky in the Deep. The story follows two main characters from rival clans: Tova is a tattoo-covered Truthtongue who is feared by the Svell clan for her ability to cast runes and see the web of fate. Halvard, the kid from the Rikki clan from the previous book, is now all grown up and has been made heir to the clan. Something he believes he is not worthy of.

Tova was blessed/or cursed at birth to foresee the future using runes. Her tribe thought her dead and cast her out to the sea to their Gods when she was six. Curious, or destiny, she is found by a man named Jorrund from the Svell clan who raises her among his clan. The Svell perceive Truth Tongues to be bad omens. The Svell reluctantly allow her to remain while simultaneously trying to kill her and seek her guidance in a war with Halvard's Nadhir clan. When reading the runes, Tova accidentally sets in motion a series of events that will lead to bloodshed. Torn between guilt and loneliness, she is forced to take part in a blood feud with another tribe.

It is fair to say that Halvard was almost an after thought in this book. He is witness to a devastating loss and betrayal when there should have been peace. He spends a whole lot of time running from the Svell who want to kill him which ends up him meeting Tova who believes that Halvard must be saved so much that she joins his clan. Harvard and Tova have very little scenes together, although they think about each other a lot. His side of the story is more about him coming to terms with becoming the new leader of their clan. He feels unsure and incompetent but it is nice to see that everyone else from his clan see his potential.

The battle scenes in this book are brutal and bloody and the saving grace for the entire story. Some may argue that the romance is lacking in this book, and they might be right. Though, I might add that this did not bother me. The thing I didn’t enjoy: The time jumping threw me off it was so jarring because it went back 7 years, then 10 years, then 12 years. In a major WHOA moment, Nadhir clan combines the 2 clans we met in the 1st book – Riki and Aska together as one. On that point, there is a Eelyn, Fiske, and Iri sighting in this book. It is fair to say the ending leaves LOTS of room for more stories in this world.

First I would like the thank Netgalley and St. Martin`s Press for providing an E-Arc. 

This is the second book by Adrienne Young that I have read, the first being Sky in the Deep. I loved Sky in the Deep when it came out, so I think that really affected my enjoyment of this novel. I went in with really high expectations and was a little letdown. 

The Girl the Sea Gave Back alternates chapters between Tova and Halvard. Tova is a Truthtongue from the Kerr clan. She was found abandoned in a burnt boat by Jorrund when she was little. Halvard is the younger brother of Fiske who was one of the main characters in Sky in the Deep. This story takes place 10 years later, Halvard was chosen to lead so he is training to become the leader of the Riki and Aska clan (I forget the new name when the two clans joined). Overall it was an entertaining, quick read that I enjoyed, but it didn`t stick in my head and I didn`t love it. I liked the world and the characters for the most part, but I found the pacing to be off which impacted the believability of Tova and Halvard's relationship. Another thing that really started to annoy me the more I read, was how the alternating chapters were done. They overlapped a lot, which was really interesting at first and helped give more depth to some scenes. Unfortunately, it was for pretty much every single chapter so it got old very quickly. Once completing the book I was left wanting more. More romance, more backstory and an explanation of what happened in the end. It ended too vague for me to feel satisfied with it. 

If you read Sky in the Deep and enjoyed it, I would still suggest picking up this one and giving it a go. I don`t think it is for everyone, but if you are looking for a faster read this is one to consider.

I stopped reading at about 25%. I was really excited for this book, and I tried so hard to make it through, but it just could not keep my attention. I couldn't connect with any of the characters. The writing felt flat and the plot didn't have any surprises. I think this author's writing just isn't for me because I had the same issue with her first book. That being said, I think readers who enjoyed her first book will really like this sequel. You don't have to have read the first book to understand it, but a couple characters make cameos and I bet fans will really enjoy that. Unfortunately it wasn't a hit for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Sorry this one wasn't more positive.

This book was an excellent companion to Sky in the Deep. I loved reading the dynamic between the people and the world building was excellent.

“The truth was everywhere. It was in everything. You only had to open your eyes to see it.”

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for providing me with a digital ARC!

This is my first book by Adrienne Young and thought I had mixed feelings about it at the beginning, I am very happy with the ending and the path this book lead to.

About halfway through the book I was convinced this was going to be a simple 3 star but the more I pushed myself to read the more i really started to connect with Tova.

I really liked that the book was heavy on her characterisation, and how everything always related back to her heritage and past.

— mild spoilers ahead —

The one thing I think I wasn’t entirely comfortable (or perhaps I just didn’t understand) was the constant mentioning of Halvard. It almost seemed that there was infatuation after their limited intereaction but I got over that towards the end.

The romance (expected, I mean this is a YA) was sweet and just the right amount, didn’t feel over saturated and unnecessary.