Okay, this wasn't bad at all, but it just wasn't as good as Sky in the Deep in my opinion.
It took a REALLY long time for me to get into the story and the characters and it was only during the last half that I started to enjoy myself.

The dual perspective didn't sit well with me since Tova and Halvard were separated throughout 80% of the book and I would've preferred seeing things unfold through one of them instead of both, which made some things overlap.
I also expected this to have more romance, but the romance was pretty much non-existant here. I didn't feel the spark between them, which is a shame, because I love a good slow-burn romance.
I loved reading about the characters from the previous book, like Eelyn, Iri and Fiske.

I wish there would have been a little more action, especially in the first half, but the epic battle in the second half made up for that!

So when I started this book, I didn't realize it was a sequel or in the same world as a previous book by the author. I don't know if that's why I struggled to get through this book or not. I found that I just didn't feel any connection to the characters or world at all. I really hate saying that considering how beautiful the cover is and how well the author writes.

This was such a great story! The characters were great, the world was interesting. There wasn't a lot of detail on the different cultures or the people but it didn't hinder the story. It had a viking feel like Sky in the Deep, similar culture and religious beliefs. The ending, while somewhat predictable, was great and left you suspecting instead of having a solid end. Overall, this was a great story and something I'd recommend to those who like fantasy based in a viking culture.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

After thoroughly enjoying Sky in the Deep, when I saw this book come up on Netgalley, I knew I had to read it. What I totally didn't realize it before starting is that this book is also set in the Sky in the Deep world. You don't need to read the other before this one, but it does shine a light on some of the characters and the background of one of the clans. I did wish I had re-read Sky in the Deep recently. I recognized names, but couldn't remember if we knew anyone more -- had I, I might have felt more emotional over a few of the actions and scenes.

While I did really like this one, I felt like most of the time I was waiting for something to happen. The book is pretty much all a lead up to the end part. This makes it feel more slow-paced. In fact, the book is told over just a few days. There also are not many positive interactions between people, which bummed me out. And yes, that means only a few short interactions between our main characters, who are love interests. Truly, the romance is something we could have done without in the book, because I don't think it was handled very well. I think they only have 3 conversations in the book... maybe.

Yet, I did really like it. I couldn't help but keep flipping the pages to see what was going to happen. I even enjoyed how the flashbacks were handled.
Tove and Halvard are really interesting characters. Halvard is thrust into a leadership position, when he doesn't want to be and Tova is an outsider forced to use her abilities in order to survive. I liked the characters and wanted them to succeed, which also probably why I felt so compelled to keep reading the book to the end.

I definitely will recommend this one, but not for anyone wanting something fact-paced. Yes there is action and some brutal scenes, but the pacing might throw some people off.

2.5 stars
I already started writing this post when I realized I don't have a lot of things to say. But here we go.

First, for me this has a better and more intriguing and interesting concept than the author's previous novel, Sky in the deep. Yes, still Vikings and in the same world. The male MC is even a beloved side character from the previous book, but "the Girl The Sea gave back" gave the readers more about the supernatural in the author's fictional world.

Tova, our female MC, is a truthtongue, as every woman in her family. I really enjoyed the epilogue of this book, which only titled as "13 Years ago". It's so full of mystery and of course, pulled me into the story right away. But as the book progresses, it became obvious the storyteling is lacking something, or things. The intrigue's gone, the mystery along with it.

I think there's not enough building in every element: world, character, and plot. There's no tension too, maybe because somehow, halfway through the story everything seemed predictable already. The pacing is slow too and the lack of action is really underwhelming. Everything went flat, even the romance is not that interesting.

But still, I can't say this is a bad book. It's just okay book, for me.

Another amazing book set in the same world as Sky in the Deep. It was fabulous to see some familiar faces and see what direction their lives went in.

From the first page I was immediately sucked in and didn’t wanna stop reading. Every time I was forced to put this book down my heart squeezed. The story was calling to me and begging me not to stop.

Adrienne has this way about her writing that makes you feel like you’re standing in the middle of everything, a character in the story. So vivid and magical.

Halvard and Tova are two amazing characters. Halvard bares the weight of his clan and must do everything he can to protect them from losing the war that’s headed straight for them.

Tova is a girl without a family. She was pulled from the sea, not knowing how she got there, and raised in a world where people fear her, but yet they need her. But when her circumstances change and she’s forced to set a course she knows is wrong, she will do whatever it takes to forge a new path.

Without spoilers I will say that I loved watching these two. They connected, even from afar. They worked together, even though they shouldn’t. This was not a romance but the undertones were there. This was a fantasy that will grab you and not let you go.

As someone who really enjoyed Sky in the Deep, this was a strong follow up. Young draws a complex and intricate world with rich details. Plat was fast and I bought into the romance. A solid read!

I received an e-arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I tried, I really did. I started on this book in the middle of August (August 14th) and only got through 65% in that amount of time.

Sadly I had to DNF it at 65%. The reasons are:
*The plot is extremely confusing. I don't even understand why they are fighting or what over.
*I didn't understand what the differences between the clans were and who was loyal to whom.
*I have no idea what the background of Tova is and it really takes away because all we find out is that her family and clan wanted to kill her.
*I don't get why it's so important that she can tell the future.
*I felt like the whole time I was missing some like there was some important plot point that I overlooked.

Literally it was 65% of what trying to figure out what the heck am I reading. I think that the idea was there and it seemed really interesting, but the execution of the idea wasn't done very well. I do, however, want to read Adrienne Young's other book, Sky in the Deep. I think she's a great author but I just didn't understand this book.

Wow this was fantastic,it was a page turner and interesting story!The book tells a story of a girl, who thinks her own people didn't want her, so she survives with a different clan and casts the rune stones for them!I find it unique and brilliant!

The writing was beautiful, I could picture the world she creates!The romance was strong and heavy.

I seriously cannot wait to see what this author has for us next!

I received a digital advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I tend to gravitate towards oceanic covers, and this one is just absolutely breathtaking. This was a total page turner for me. I requested this novel because of the astonishing cover, but quickly fell in love. I had no idea it was a sequel until I receive my review copy, so of course I went back and read Sky in the Deep first. While this is a sequel in the series, it is a very strong stand-alone as it follows different characters with mild character crossovers.
This book was just as good, if not better than Sky in the Deep with just as many strong female characters. Adrienne Young has such a beautifully descriptive way of making you feel in the drama! I absolutely loved this book.

I didn’t realize when I started reading the book that it was a sequel to another. That being said it was hard for me to get into the world and the characters because of that.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately I was disappointed with this book. The storyline was promising and I was very interested to learn more about the world and magical system. The MC has the ability to tell the future using stones and I love the Viking lore that clear inspired this. However, the world building left much to be desired. I wanted more details about the cultures and tribes mentioned, the history and mythology that fueled the magical system, and descriptions. Descriptions of any kind would have done this book some good. The story is very short and any fantasy books should be rich with detail. I could loss myself in the storyline or the fantasy world because there wasn’t enough detail to do so. The plot was simplistic and not nearly as action packed as I had hoped. The book failed to evoke emotions in scenes that should have been dramatic.

I think another round of writing/ editing could have lead to an amazing story. The two stars are a reflection of the potential the book had but I’m afraid I cannot recommend the book as is.

For me, The Girl the Sea Gave Back was just ok. I really struggled connecting to the two main characters and their romance felt forced and was bland. I also struggled with the two POV because they almost had the same voices.

But I did love the action in the book and is what kept me reading the book. Young’s writing style is still one of my favorites and the plot was interesting.

Overall I just didn’t connect with the story.

Rating: 3/5 stars

I hate to say this but this disappointed me! Which is such a shame because the cover is GORGEOUS. But I just felt absolutely no connection to this story. It bored me! I basically skimmed the last half of the book. It's not like I can say things didn't happen, because things definitely did happen—it just didn't feel like anything that happened mattered. And omg there were way too many characters to keep track of, especially with the crazy names. I had no idea who most people were the entire book! And the romance was very lacking, which was disappointing since the romance was so sweet and meaningful in Sky in the Deep. I really wanted more from this, especially since Halvard was one of the main characters and I was SO EXCITED to see him all grown up. But while the story had a lot of potential, I thought it fell flat. I really hope I'm in the minority with this!

I really enjoyed how this book was a sequel, in so much as it was set in the same universe with some overlapping characters, but that it's entirely independent and can easily be read as a standalone novel. Set ten years after the Aska and Riki ended a bitter blood feud in order to defeat the Herja, we're brought back to the mountain and the fjord as a new battle rages. Only this time the story centres around the sweet and curious Halvard as he makes his way as a leader and a man, and also Tova, a bewitching Truthtongue with no memories of her past and the weight of a people on her shoulders. Together they navigate the treacherous future carved out as the Svell attack the Nadhir and seek to maintain the peace established by Eelyn and Fiske. 

Now, I'm not normally a fan of passive/ submissive female characters, but I ended up really enjoying Tova. Yes, she is basically a captive of the Svell, manipulated but their Tala into doing his bidding and used as a tool of war but she offers continual acts of resistance in small ways in which she is capable. She sneaks into meetings from which she is forbidden, tells the truth even when it will anger her captors, and is unbelievably brave in the moments when courage is needed the most. She lies to her chieftain, plucks up the courage to attempt an escape, and when battle looms she takes up her bow. She might battle with her braids and struggle with dresses, but dang that woman is fierce!

 Harvard too plays on some pretty strong emotions. He is a child of peace thrown into war, a fisherman's son pushed into leadership at a young age, and through it all a young man trying to find his way in the world. Although he is a fierce warrior he is also sweet, and soft, and thoughtful in the kind of way that sucks you right in. The fear and apprehension of his pending responsibilities is only natural and entirely relatable. His coming of age showcases his varied experiences from those of his clansmen and demonstrates that there is strength in sensitivity. 

I loved that Halvard continued his friendship with Asmund and Bard even after they left to become aider and the rest o the community turned their backs on him. It was touching that Halvard was frightened of being so much power as a leader and that he remained more concerned about doing right by his people than any sort of personal gain. And was absolutely gutted by how he always considered the implication his actions would have on family - if only everyone were so thoughtful! I found him to be a relatable and enjoyable character to read - equal parts awkward and burgeoning man, but what I loved most was how he read as a sweet young man. That's right, he actually felt like a teen. Okay, okay, a highly trained and particularly deadly teen, but he felt his age and it was glorious!

Perhaps my only complaint is that I wanted more.

I wanted to know more of what happened between the battle with the Herja and the attack from the Svell. I wanted to know how the Aska and Riki navigated the joining of their clans and the quashing of their blood feud. I wanted more than passing glimpses of Eelyn, Fiske, Iri, Runa, Espen and Aghi. And I definitely wanted to know more about the Kyrr! A little extra attention to world building would have gone a long way but I'm greedy and this just wasn't that kind of story. All I can say is take that desire fore more as a complement as this story sucked me right in, and as much as I enjoy jumping into a 400 page behemoth I completely understand that value of something that appears approachable on the shelf while simultaneously covering all it's bases as a complete and compelling story.

Young's writing is dynamic and approachable to a wide variety of audiences. As an adult reader I certainly enjoyed my time with this book, but it's simple style and quick paced plot is sure to appeal to a younger audience as well. The romance in it is sweeter and more innocent than that of Sky in the Deep, but then again, so are all of the characters. Regardless, get ready to get your heart ripped out, say goodbye to some old favourites, and fall in love all over again. I absolutely adored this book, and hope that there are more to come.

3 1/2 stars

This bookcover is simply amazing and had me ready for an incredible read....

Tova has been rescued from the sea by a rival tribe. Even though they basically despise and fear her, they keep and raise her for their benefit. Since she is a truth tongue, they believe she can foretell the future. She has never felt at ease within this tribe. A betrayal occurs and opens the door for her to make a bold move that could alter the future. The real question is will it be for the good or bad?

Halvard is the other main character that we follow through the book. He is a young warrior who struggles with the effects of war on the people around him. He is destined to become chieftain of his clan. He is a passionate and caring person who truly wants the best for his people.

Tova can't figure out why but she is convinced, after seeing Halvard for the first time , that their fates are intertwined with one another. Because of this, she is convinced that she has to protect him and be sure he isn't killed in battle with the clan that she's been living with and working for.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a bit of a slow start for me. There were a lot of different names to keep up with, different clans and following along with the timelines that went back and forth also required a little more concentration. For this reason, the first half of the book was more work than fun (for me at least). However, around the halfway mark, the excitement of The Girl the Sea Gave Back definitely kicked in.. From that point on, I thought it was a strong book that provided a little bit of everything a reader is looking for.

"We gave you to the sea, Tova. But the sea gave you back."

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was epic!! I enjoyed every minute of it. The first book was amazing, and this book was even so much more! I loved the story telling! This author sucked me into this world from the very first page!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

The Girl the Sea Gave Back is the second published novel from Adrienne Young, a story set in the same world as Sky in the Deep (which was one of my favorite reads in 2018). This novel switches back and forth between two character POVs: Tova, a gifted young woman who is searching for the place she belongs as she resides with a tribe that is not her own, and Halvard, a young man forged in a time of great conflict who has been bestowed with a heavy legacy of leadership. Readers will get to know both as the story progresses, and personally, it was all too easy to get invested in their individual journeys (and how they end up intersecting eventually). As it was in her debut novel, Young’s writing is compulsively readable and all too easy to fly through. And while there are plenty of nods to events in Sky in the Deep, it’s not necessary to read that story first – you can certainly check this one out as a standalone. In fact, it might even make the reading experience better for you, as both books share very similar plot elements (two tribes in opposition who are forced to decide between conflict or peace) and it was very noticeable to me, as someone who absolutely loved Sky in the Deep. This is not to say that the stories are the same, however; there’s just enough of a difference in the character personalities and external elements to allow this novel to stand on its own and still be an enjoyable book. So, while I didn’t love this one nearly as much as Young’s debut, I still really enjoyed The Girl the Sea Gave Back and would highly recommend it to both fans of Sky in the Deep and those readers new to Young’s work.

I had really high hopes for this one since I really enjoyed this author's debut book SKY IN THE DEEP but this one missed the mark for me. While it started out in the middle of strife with the death of a baby, it quickly lost steam and momentum as the storyline progressed. I wasn't privy to the fact that the girl had such a low opinion of herself yet still being the only one who could tell the future for her captors. They clearly had to rely significantly on her opinion and yet she still had very low self esteem due to the way they treated her. It should have been obvious that the people group were complete hypocrites and shamed her while still valuing her ability, and she should have been able to get out of such a weak mindset.
I can appreciate if for what it was, since so many YA books about teenage girls are the opposite - the gal is strong and from the beginning, she usually lets her opinions be known through words or actions. I never realized how much I appreciated that cliche.

I love this title, and am so happy to have read it! I loved Sky in the Deep, and while this one mentioned some characters mentioned in that one and had a similar style, it's also so refreshingly different, and completely different! I loved this different focus and seeing Adrienne Young own writing style progress in this one!