Read for: Netgalley/ Requested Review & Highly Anticipated
Synopsis: "The new gut-wrenching epic from the New York Times bestselling author of Sky in the Deep.
For as long as she can remember, Tova has lived among the Svell, the people who found her washed ashore as a child and use her for her gift as a Truthtongue. Her own home and clan are long-faded memories, but the sacred symbols and staves inked over every inch of her skin mark her as one who can cast the rune stones and see into the future. She has found a fragile place among those who fear her, but when two clans to the east bury their age-old blood feud and join together as one, her world is dangerously close to collapse.
For the first time in generations, the leaders of the Svell are divided. Should they maintain peace or go to war with the allied clans to protect their newfound power? And when their chieftain looks to Tova to cast the stones, she sets into motion a series of events that will not only change the landscape of the mainland forever but will give her something she believed she could never have again—a home."
My Review: I was so anticipating this book, it was one of my top releases of this year because I LOVED Sky in the Deep. It took me quite a bit to get into this one, which sometimes happens when you have a second book that is a companion and doesn't follow the same characters. I also really struggled to connect with the characters, part of it was in my mind Halvard is still the little boy we saw in Sky in the Deep and I struggled to wrap my brain around the fact that he is grown up (like when you see a family member when they are little kids and don't see them again for many years, in your mind they are always that little kid). Also, Tova was a bit mysterious and disconnected by the nature of her roll as Truthtongue, so I struggled to connect with her in any way. I did however really enjoy the way they each grew as characters throughout the book. It is a slow book as it is mostly driven by the characters as opposed to plot driven, but if you can sit back and let it take shape the wait is so worth it. Once again Young knocked it out of the park with the rich world and culture, diving deep into the various belief and religious systems. All in all a rich, beautiful book to savor!
My Rating: Even with the slow start and small difficulties I had, I really enjoyed the world and the story that built throughout this book. While I do still prefer Sky in the Deep, this one still earns a solid Four Paw rating!
I was so fortunate to have received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. The following is my honest opinion and review.
To find out more about Adrienne Young and her books you can check out her Goodreads Page, Website and I highly recommend following her on Instagram as she is the sweetest person ever and gives some really amazing writing advice!
The Girl the Sea Gave Back releases today, September 3rd so go pick up your copy now in print or digital format from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or request it at your local bookstore or library!
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