Sky in the Deep

The cover of Sky in the Deep initially drew me in, and from there, I was hooked. A Viking-inspired story featuring a warrior girl? Count me in.

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from this debut novel, but I wasn't disappointed. The story itself fluctuates between action and introspection. Relatively graphic battle scenes between enemy clans are followed by the quieter activities of daily living, and for me, this really worked.

Eelyn, a Viking warrior of the Aska clan, discovers the brother and best friend she thought to be dead for the past five years actually lives a new life as part of the rival Riki clan, of which she has become prisoner. She is angry, bitter and heartbroken, and her time spent in the presence of her brother Iri's new family tests her beliefs.

Without meaning to, Eelyn builds relationships with the Rikis she so hates. I especially enjoyed the bond that developed between Eelyn and Halvard. Then there's the slow burn romance between Eelyn and Fiske, which I found to be extremely subtle yet perfect.

Another aspect that thrilled me is that Sky in the Deep is a standalone. Thank you.

I look forward to what comes next from Adrienne Young.

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***

She killed her first man six years ago, and at the age of seventeen, Eelyn is on the cusp of being a full-fledged Aska warrior. But when she catches a glimpse of her brother in battle–the brother that has been thought dead for five years–she sets caution to the wind and ends up being captured by the Aska’s opposing clan, the Riki. As a slave in the home of her enemies, Eelyn experiences kindness from Inge, the clan’s healer, and from Fiske, her new master who protects her from the hatred of the rest of the clan. While there, she must come to terms with her brother’s “betrayal” and in the process come to learn that perhaps the Aska and the Riki are not so different after all.

When a new danger threatens both clans, Eelyn and Fiske must journey across the mountains to propose a truce for the common good. And in the end, Eelyn must decide whether her highest love is her people, or whether Fiske might hold that place in her heart as well.

The prose of this young adult novel was quite lovely, and the characters and the pacing of the story were gripping. In keeping with the portrayal of Vikings on modern television, there was a good deal of graphic violence, some of it perpetrated without remorse by the main characters. The ending of the book felt far more romantic than realistic (given the worldview of the people as described throughout the rest of the book), but it was romantic in a way that made you want to believe.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

*I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley for review on my blog. This does not affect my review. This review was voluntary*

I have heard so many good things about this book, so I was super excited to read it! And I'm happy to say that this book was even better than I had expected! While it isn't my favorite read so far this year, (That goes to The Cruel Prince) it's pretty close. It's not as fast paced, and doesn't have the 'wow' factor that I often look for, but this one is just as powerful. It's a slow-burn...in more ways that one. It is one of those that the more you read, the more immersed in the world you become.

While I guessed a few of the twists as I was reading, it in no way took away from the pleasure of reading. If fact, the more I came to know about the characters, the more I fell in love with them and their world. This is one of those books that stay with you, long after reading, and it's not often I find books that I can say that about. Sure there are plenty of YA fandoms, and YA is full of feels, but this one feels...older somehow. More mature, as if you as a reader, grow up and gain new understandings along with the characters. That is something I don't find often with YA, especially in stand-alones, and that I feel is what makes this story so beautiful.

After a slightly slow start, I ended up being sucked into this story. This review is for an ARC, and reflects my honest opinion. I’m giving it 5 out of 5 stars.

The first thing that made me want to read this book was the cover. It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?!? This book had been on my TBR for a while before the Sunday Street Team offered a blog tour, and I couldn’t say no. I’ve been on a contemporary binge lately, and let’s face it…that’s my go to genre. So it took me a little time to get into the story, but this ended up being a big hit for me! I loved pretty much all the characters. I don’t want to say anything spoilery, because you all need to read this, and see the amazing journey Eelyn and co. go on together for yourselves.

I haven’t read anything Viking related before, but this makes me want to find other books like it ASAP. The names and culture took a little getting used to, but it was a lot of fun to learn about the different rituals and beliefs of the clans. And the fight sequences had me on edge, waiting to see what would happen.

The ending was fantastic, and I can’t wait to see what else this author comes up with for her next book. I found a new book boyfriend (along with some other favorite characters), and that makes me very happy. I highly recommend this debut book!

This was the book that I didn’t know that I needed: a gripping adventure with language and characters I marveled at and a story that is terrifying and healing and hopeful. It’s really amazing how Adrienne Young does it, actually, considering that there’s a lot of violence—I mean a lot—and it still feels like a book that could stitch people back together.

On a superficial level, you could say that this book is Game of Throne-esque. At least, that’s how it felt to me, as a person who doesn’t read or watch a lot of violent texts. But this book has heart—a big wounded one that insists that there can be common ground, that people can overcome differences and find ways to live and even be happy together.

I don’t know; does that sound like a book that we need today?, she asks innocently.

Eelyn is an Aska, and every five years, the Aska fight the Riki “to defend” their gods’ “honor” and because they are “bound by the blood feud between us.” In the opening battle, Eelyn is shocked to discover that her brother, Iri, who presumably died in the fight five years before, is now a Riki. He saves her life when his fellow Riki, Fiske, tries to kill her, leading Eelyn’s father and other Aska to believe that Iri was a spirit sent by their god to help her during the fight.

But Eelyn suspects that Iri is still alive, and during the next battle, she chases him down. Though her brother again tries to protect her, she becomes a Riki prisoner and is taken back to their village where she’s purchased by Fiske as a dyr, a slave of sorts for his family. Iri says that she’ll stay there until the spring, until they can return her to the Aska.

Though Eelyn assures herself that she’ll return home, being a dyr is the most humiliating fate she believes that she can suffer. She's also faced with Iri's betrayal. Since this world is one that values fighting prowess, community, and above all else, honor, Iri’s decision to become a Riki makes him worse than a traitor. She can’t understand why he would give them his loyalty, and why he would take up arms against his sister and father and the people who raised him and loved him.

But the longer that Eelyn lives in the Riki village, the more she realizes that life is more complicated than that, that it’s not as simple as black and white; that it might make it easier to kill one another if the Aska and Riki believe that they’re fundamentally different people, but that that might not be the right way to think.

This book has a lot of love, but it also has a lot of violence, and the graphic descriptions were sometimes difficult to read. But I do believe that this in case, the violence is working toward a greater end. Young helps us see that this world is a brutal, uncertain one, but one that also accommodates better, bigger things, like peace and understanding. It’s a world where community reigns, but it’s also possible to choose families for oneself.

Peace, understanding, and love are choices here, and that makes every decision to pursue them, rather than violence, harder and even more admirable.

4.5 stars

This is a viking inspired tale. Eelyn is devoted to her clan, the Aska. She's a fierce warrior and fights against the Riki, their enemy. One day, she's on the battlefield and thinks she sees her brother, who dies 5 years prior, fighting with the enemy. She is then captured by the Riki, when she was trying to follow her brother, Iri. She then learns that there's two sides to every story and maybe they are not so different.

This story caught me from the very beginning and didn't let go. Adrienne Young has a way of capturing you in the story. I read this book so fast, maybe 4 hours. It's a fast paced book that made you feel and see what they did. There is a lot of action and it is actually how this book starts out.

I loved Eelyn so much. She's strong and loyal to the bones. She doesn't understand what Iri is thinking and feels betrayed. She sticks to her beliefs but isn't dumb enough to see that things are not always black and white. Her character really grows because she starts to see how the Riki are more like the Aska than anyone thought. They are people, they are human. She learns to forgive and trust.

I really wish that we got a dual POV in this book. I would have loved to read what Fiske was thinking throughout the story. I loved his character so much. He comes off as cold and uncaring from the beginning, but there's so much more to him. I also loved Halvard. He had a big part in helping Eeyln, in more ways than one.

This was a great read. I really liked it and the story. I love how it's not romance driven either. It's a slow love. I think that I like this so much because it's a stand alone! It's so rare.

I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher, St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for an e-ARC of this book to review.

4.5 stars

This was definitely a cover type pick for me. I liked what I saw, I wanted to know more about the book. The synopsis was interesting, and NetGalley was kind enough to approve my ARC request, which I’m so glad they did because this novel is beautiful.
Now “beautiful” might not be the first word most readers would use to describe a book basically about rivalry and never ending bloody war between Viking type of clans. But that’s what was on my mind as I read through the pages of Sky in the Deep.
It had a lot to do with the language and writing style the author used in this book. I was pleasantly surprised with descriptive sentences and good variety of adjectives. I think some readers might find this novel a bit dry, but I believe that there is so much “food” for imagination that it’s impossible to get bored.
There is definitely enough action to keep you on your toes- it’s like a nice rollercoaster with just enough of lows between the highs. And of course there are emotions, even though the tough fighter spirit of the main characters would make you think it should be the opposite.
Sky in the Deep is a wonderful story about acceptance, compromise and second chances. This story, along with the main characters, has a big heart. A heart that is able to see past prejudice and blind hatred.
One thing I wish was different about this novel is having a dual point of view -getting inside Fiske’s head would compliment the story in my opinion.
Otherwise, I definitely recommend Sky in the Deep to readers of all ages.

Initial thoughts after finishing:
Can I give this book a million and one freaking stars? I absolutely LOVED everything about this! Review to come soon!!

Full review:
I literally don’t even know what to say right now. Sky in the Deep just absolutely blew me away! I had heard from some trusted friends how amazing it was but I still wasn’t expecting to fall in love with it the way I did.
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Eelyn, our MC, was the most badass character in the history of badass characters! I’m in awe of her strength! It seemed like no matter how many times or how hard she got knocked down, she came back up swinging. She had ironclad loyalty for her clan and a will of steel. She didn’t back down, she could look death in the eye without blinking and I loved that about her.
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Fiske, oh how I loved Fiske. Like Eelyn, he is also a complete badass! It took me a while to warm up to him, but in the end he had my heart. He was just so strong, loyal and completely unwavering in his belief of doing what’s right.
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Sky in the Deep is an action packed, gory Viking story that I imagine will be very widely loved! I dare you to read this book and not fall in love with these characters.

“It was Iri who’d wrapped his arms around me in the dark when I dreamed of the white-eyed Herja who’d slit our mother’s throat. It was Iri who’d held me together when I was cracked down to the bone with the pain of losing her. I ran into my first battle with my brother at my side. I washed the blood of his first kill from his hands and pretended not to see the gleam of tears in his eyes.”

I loved this book. The romance of the story was lovely, but to be honest the thing I loved most was the healing between Eelyn and her brother Iri. Eelyn had believed her brother was dead from a battle with a rival tribe, and then discovers he has actually been alive and joined the other tribe all this time. She is kidnapped by the people that Iri considers family now and watching them overcome the distance and the hurt was the most intense part of this book for me. It was as a whole a truly beautiful story told with intensity. It speaks messages of tolerance, of looking beyond initial impressions, of female warriors, all within a fantastical Viking world. This book is a definite 5 star read for me.

This book was very great to read. I received a copy via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review. I started this book on Friday and by Saturday I was done with it. The Characters suck you into the storyline, I shed a few tears a few times....Although it was thought her brother was dead, he really wasn't, Iri was alive!!!!
Eelyn is a very great character. I wished there was more encounter with the bear than the one time, and the dreams she had of the bear. I kind of wish it had more to it, more meaning. I kinda wanted to bear to fight in the battle of Riki & Aska against the Herja.
As for Eelyn and Fiske, OMG, I do hope theres a second part to this book, I'd love to see how their future went after the big war on Herja's.
Eelyn is totally bad a$$, although she tries not to show any fear, shes a girl who was trained to hold her own. She's a character that if they came to life, I wouldn't want to mess with her.

I give this book a 5 Star. A must read for everyone. Once you start to read the first two chapters, you wont be disappointed, you will keep wanting to keep reading and then when the end nears, you don't want to finish the last chapters as you know it will come to an end, yet I'm hopeful theres a second book.

Have you ever read a book that not only grabs your attention from the beginning and never lets go but a book that makes you feel like you know the characters in a way that makes you part of their story? That’s how I felt with Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young.

This book is not only breathtaking, it’s profoundly powerful. It provides a message about family, about being strong in a world that wants to tear you down. Eelyn is such a powerful and headstrong character that her feelings and actions jump off the page. Her beliefs and family are everything to her, and even when her view of the Riki begins to change, she does not falter. Eelyn stays this strong protagonist throughout her whole story. I found her to be such an inspiration.

The tension between Eelyn and the Riki (especially a certain Riki) was one of my favorite aspects of the story. There were times where I felt the tension could have breathed fire; it was so intense and emotionally driven that it’s difficult to take a step back from the story and breathe. It was difficult to even put the book down. Adrienne Young brought the story and characters to life and beautifully captured the tension between both clans.

There are not enough words in the dictionary to describe how much I loved Sky in the Deep. I probably felt every emotion known to man because of this book. And that’s okay. That’s what books are supposed to do. And Sky in the Deep definitely did just that.

If this book is not on your list to read, it needs to be. You won’t want to miss this unique story. Adrienne Young is a fantastic storyteller and I can’t wait to read her next novel.

Adrienne Young's Sky in the Deep is an exceptional YA novel set in a harsh and violent primitive world where clans routinely attack each other over pride, stores, and revenge. In the midst of a battle with the rival Riki clan, young warrior Eelyn thinks she sees her brother who is believed to have been dead for five years. A surprise attack the following night brings her face-to-face with her lost sibling. To keep his identity secret, she is taken as a slave into the seemingly foreign, but eerily similar world of the opposing clan.
Young's pacing is tight and addictive. Her characters are convincing and worthy of the reader’s total investment. And while many books can easily get bogged down in overly detailed descriptions of an world’s religious canon, Young mets out just enough to keep reader interest and character background moving.
I predict this book will be a hit for audiences of all ages. Sky in the Deep is one of the best novels I have read in a long time, and I will be telling many friends about it.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press/ Wednesday Books, and Adrienne Young for an advanced copy for review.

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the advanced copy. This review remains unaffected and unbiased.

First of all, what drew me to this novel was the beautiful cover. It is absolutely gorgeous! After reading the book, I also agree that the title was a perfect choice. The second I started to read, I could not put it down. Adrienne Young’s debut is causing a lot of excitement, and she did not disappoint.

CHARACTERS
The main character, Eelyn, is a member of the Aska clan. I loved to read about her as she changed throughout the novel after different events occur. The character development was beautiful and flowed well. Eelyn is a strong person— physically and mentally. She is a warrior and deeply devoted/loyal to her family and clan. Throughout her captivity, she dutifully did her chores but remained true to herself by planning and plotting. What I especially appreciated was that she was still human, and therefore experienced times of joy, pain, and sadness. I think authors oftentimes create super-human characters and forget to make them relatable. Young is the exception.
Two other supporting characters are Iri and Fiske. As the summary reads, Iri is Eelyn’s brother that everyone believed to be dead. Well, spoiler, he survived and she later meets him on the battlefield. Because of Eelyn’s deep loyalty to her clan, it was difficult and painful to see her brother’s betrayal. Throughout the story, they are in constant contact and have to address the hurt in order to heal and reunite. The second character, Fiske, helps Eelyn due to her loyalty to Iri. I absolutely loved how the two of them acted like brothers and how that came to be (no spoilers).

PLOT
These clans, the Riki and the Aska, are unlike any you’ve read about. They are enemies, yes, but more than that, there is such deep hatred that they are relentless in fighting each other. They have different gods, who in their legends, are enemies as well and constantly fighting each other. The book opens with Eelyn and her clan right before a battle with the Riki. They charge, many are killed, and then they return to their camps. Only to do it all over again that same night. This is the “norm” for these two clans as they meet in battle every five years.
The Askas are taught from birth that honor is above life (their motto vegr yfir fjor literally means that). So when Eelyn is captured, she has to decide whether to lay down her honor and pride or kill herself. Fortunately for us readers, she never gets the choice. She is forced into becoming a dyr (slave) and put into an iron collar. And then Fiske buys her. So now, Eelyn is a captive of her enemy and reunited with a brother who has betrayed her.
Eelyn is resilient though. She just has to last through the winter as a dyr before she will be returned to her family. In the meantime, she works with Fiske’s mom and Iri’s adopted mother, Inge. She learns how to adapt herself to this situation but constantly looks for an escape. But when faced with captivity by people who did not treat her cruelly despite their hatred, Eelyn was forced to see their humanity and respect them. The Riki weren’t so different from the Aska when it came to daily life. Through this time, Eelyn goes on a kind of self-discovery journey.

PERSONAL THOUGHTS
For me, I thought the ‘sky in the deep’ scene was the turning point of the book. She recognized her change and knows she can’t go back (although that doesn’t mean she won’t struggle with it). it was also a scene with beautiful imagery and dialogue. The end of the book was truly amazing and wrapped up well. There was a fantastic mix of action with bloody battle scenes and romance.
If I had to do any critiquing, it would be that the romance scenes actually have a lot of crying in them. To explain, Eelyn is struggling with trying to figure out who she is. Her captivity changed her and she’s slowing been falling in love. This creates bigger problems because it’s like she’s betraying her people. Basically, a lot of emotional events are happening. So every time they kiss she ends up crying.

Marketed as being part Wonder Woman, part 'Vikings', Sky in the Deep is about seventeen-year-old Eelyn, a fierce warrior and member of the Aska tribe. She has a deep sense of honor and pride, and most of her actions and thoughts are fueled by these things. The Aska are in a long standing war against another clan called the Riki, and during one particular battle, Eelyn sees something impossible - her dead brother, fighting alongside her enemy.

A lot of this book was action packed, but I will admit that it slowed down somewhat in the middle. Despite that, I enjoyed it a lot - Eelyn's character was as brutal as she should have been considering her circumstances, and I loved the familial bond between not just Eelyn and her father/brother, but between Iri and his 'new family' as well. The supporting Riki characters (Inge, Halvard) were really endearing, and gave me something to be invested in other than Eelyn herself.

I tend to sometimes struggle with YA because of how heavily it focuses on the romance - even in YA fantasy, sci-fi, horror (places you wouldn't necessarily expect an ENORMOUS focus on long, slow, lingering looks, etc) - and I was really pleased that I managed to get through just over half of this one without a hint of teenage love. Eelyn is a warrior, and when romance does start to enter the picture, it isn't done in a way that cheapens how fierce she is. Nicely done!

<b>4.5/5 stars. <b/>

This book managed to capture my attention from the first page and it didn't let me go until I was turning the last page. What an incredible story. Please tell me this is not a standalone!! This book follows the story of two clans: the Aska and the Riki. They have hated each other for a long time and they have slaughtered each other mercilessly for decades. But one day a boy and a girl change everything. Eelyn thinks she has lost her brother to death by a riki, but one day she sees him but he is fighting for the other side. And so beggins her journey. She is captured when she tries to go to her brother and while she spends time with her enemies she sees that there are not so different than her own people. I love the main character so much. She is a warrior Viking but she is not tough all the time. She has so much dimension to her and I loved that. I loved that gender wasn't an issue in this book. Women and men both fought alike. The romance!! It was developed slowly and I loved that the love interest wasn't overprotective over her or a bug bad male alpha. He had a tender heart but a warrior heart. The only thing that really bothered me was how short this book felt. I want more!!!!
<i>The following is a warning: If you have an issue with animals being sacrificed then maybe skip the beginning of this book. However it is a very large part of the Vikings' religion which ties back to the back story. I just thought I should prepare people because it kind of caught me by surprise. However I highly recommend this book!!<i/><p/>

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the eARC to read and review!

I loved Sky in the Deep from page one. I love Viking stories but I feel they hard to pull off because they're either too gruesome and harsh or not authentic enough to really show what life was like back then. But Sky in the Deep nails it (not that I know how the Vikings lived but ... you know what I mean).

Eelyn would be difficult to sympathize with if her motivations weren't so unequivocally rooted in her culture, her clan, her family. She's bordering on ruthless when it comes to battles with her rival clan but the emotions driving her are the purest sort of love and loyalty to her family and clan. This is only more emphasized when the discovery of what her brother has done leaves her torn and when she grows attached, despite herself, to the people who enslave her. Just thinking about the choices she had to make left me feeling torn. Except about Fiske. That's one choice I had no trouble with. ;-)

I cannot recommend this book enough. It's beautiful and heartbreaking and it'll make you hold your breath until the end.

Sky in the deep is an atmospheric, intense read that offers equal amounts of the fast-paced, heart-pounding scenes and slower, deeper character study. I’ve never stumbled upon a book that so perfectly delivers on a promise as this one has with the concept of YA Vikings. Not only does it live up to it’s incredible premise, but it blows all expectations out of the water with deep conversations about family, loyalty, and tradition.

Every five years, Eelyn fights alongside other Aska warriors against the neighboring Riki clansmen. These two clans, although only different in traditions and gods, have centuries of hate simmering between them. The book starts off five years after Eelyn lost her brother in one of these battles. She comes onto the battlefield eager for vengeance but gets thrown off when she sees the impossible: her brother fighting alongside the enemy clan.

She follows her brother, only to get captured by the Rikis. Eelyn is then trapped in the enemy clan, unable to escape because of the harsh winter and having to face her traitor brother everyday while hiding under the guise of a slave to her brother’s new family. During this long, brutal season, Eelyn is tested in every way imaginable: having to face the hatred and distrust of the Riki clansmen, having to swallow down her pride in the face of the enemy, having to witness and accept her brother’s betrayal.

Eelyn’s motto is ‘Honor before life’ but the trials she goes through strip down her honor, her pride and force her to see things as they truly are: The Rikis are no different to her own clan. Thrust into this new life so far from home, her heart breaks too many times to count and she begins to question everything she’s ever known, but Eelyn never loses sight of who she is and where she comes from. Instead, she learns to adapt and grow as the story progresses. As a reader, I felt her pain like a twist to my gut every time and cheered with every little success. I felt so attached to Eelyn and, by extension, the other characters she comes to care about.

Eelyn is a fierce heroine, but not in that trope-y strong-heroine type of way. She is a true warrior; she engages in a lot of fight scenes, she is unwavering in her loyalty to her clan and her family. But she also gets injured quite a lot, she makes mistakes, she breaks down and cries because she gets thrust repeatedly into difficult, heartbreaking situations. Readers get to see her vulnerable and that makes the character all the more real, and makes the book a gripping, emotional ride.

Too much blood has been spilt and the hate has festered too long for the clans to let go of this ancient rivalry, but when a common enemy threatens their very existence, the Aska and Rikis must consider the impossible feat of banding together. And Eelyn just might be key to that if she could manage to get past the blind rage and hatred.

Sky in the deep is an unflinchingly brutal book that breaks your heart and makes you ache along with its characters; makes your heart race with epic battle scenes and fight sequences; and rebuilds it piece by piece with blossoming friendships, realistic family dynamics and the most satisfying enemies-to-lovers romance.

****ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are in no way affected by this.****

CONTENT WARNINGS :

►Violence (can be gory), Torture scene
►Animals die/get hurt in battle
►Abuse

This is, hands down, the best book I've read this month. It has managed to restore my faith in books and when I was sure I would need to take a break from reading because no book would do it.

Well, Sky in the Deep did it!

I wasn't pulled in, I was dragged in by the writing style and the story. It's told from our heroine, Eelyn's POV and it starts with a major kick - battle between two Viking clans! Yessss, it has Vikings, baby!

I don't want to spoil it for anyone, so I'll keep it short: it's YA; it's with and about Vikings; life is hard, not easy; this is a true enemies-to-friends/more story; realistic and gory battle scenes; swoon-worthy moments. This pretty much sums it up without giving anything major away.

I could really go on and on, if I were to get into details but I won't do that because you have to read this debut. Can you believe it's a debut novel? I really can't wait to see what else Ms. Young has in store for her readers.

I voluntarily agreed to read an early copy of this book through Netgalley and my rating is 5 stars.

I was hooked from the first chapter. I loved Eelyn with all her flaws and struggles as she fought to overcome inner and outer demons. The journey was awesome. I had mixed feelings (as did Eelyn) about some the other characters but they grew on me and as Eelyn discovered allies, family, love, loss—as a reader I did too.

I highly recommend, despite the violence. I’m not a fan of gore, but war and fighting were their way of life so it fit with the story. I do hope we see some more books in the future, but as of now, I understand this to be a stand-alone.

I don’t recall reading a young adult Viking story before this – does a movie count like How to Train your Dragon lol. It does have the same vibe as an adult story I once read from my dad’s bookshelf – Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M Auel.

Some of my favorite phrases:

Vegr yfir fjor – “Honor above life.”

Sal fjotra – a bond between souls. “This kind of bond is formed when a soul is broken. It’s formed through pain, loss, and heartbreak. They’re bound by something deeper than we can see . . .” … I knew exactly what she was talking about.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for the opportunity to read this before publication.

"And that was the way of it. Things belonging where they didn't. Like two night skies on a frozen lake. One looking down from above and one looking up from the deep."

When I was in middle school and high school, I was obsessed with Viking culture--thanks to the Viking Quest series by Lois Walfrid Johnson. So when I saw a YA novel was releasing this year about Vikings, there was no question I was going to read it! I was sent an e-arc of this novel months ago and have been quietly sitting on my hands, nearly bursting with anticipation for everyone else to experience this book too.

Because. It. Is. So. Good.

The story hit all the sweet spots for me: family, identity, beautiful writing, and a good dose of slow-burn romance.

One of my reading pet peeves is having a one-dimensional, kick-butt female character who has no depth, but looks really good fighting, and for some reason, at least three male characters are in love with her, though no good reason is given for their adoration (besides that she argues with them and looks good fighting.) Eelyn could have easily fallen into this trope (because man, can that girl wield an axe!)...but she doesn't. She felt real, raw, and layered. I understood her motivations, even when I believed she was wrong. I cheered when she grew and discovered revelations about herself and those around her.

All the relationships in the book were interesting and enjoyable, from Eelyn's dynamic with her father, best friend, estranged brother, love interest, and also the family she stays with when she's taken captive. This isn't a one-note story. It's not just a romance, not just a coming of age tale, not just a family drama. But it's all of them combined. This standalone easily has made it to my top ten favorite books of all time list, and I don't see it moving any time soon!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me an e-ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!

The main character, Eelyn, is an Aska. The Aska and the Riki meet for battle every five years, it is understood. Aska is taken by the brother she thought to be dead to the Riki village, and must live as their prisoner. You probably already know that though if you read the synopsis.

I think what really spoke to me about this book was the deeper meaning behind it. Equality, understanding and accepting cultural differences, working together to accomplish one common goal are just a few. It’s just a really wonderful novel with an amazing deeper meaning.

I felt like I was doing more than reading. I felt like this novel really helped open my mind to a multitude of possibilities and helped to make me more understanding of others.

I would recommend this novel to anyone, really. There’s minimal romantic interest vibes so it’s not super mushy. It’s not all gore either though. The main fighting sequences are the beginning and the end. Although they are super graphic, they are detailed enough to fully comprehend the battle situation.

I haven't seen many YA Viking stories, so I jumped at the chance to read Sky in the Deep. It's a pleasant and dramatic take on the legendary warriors.

Eelyn is a young viking warrior (I've seen similar characters called shield-maidens in the past) who believes in honour, defending her family and finding vengeance for her brother. She's headstrong and fierce so is unprepared to find herself held captive by her groups biggest enemy.

The action is violent, they are vikings after all, but never in detail that is too mature for a YA story. Eelyn is prepared to risk everything to save her family and honour her God. She's very determined in her quest but as the story develops she's willing to learn, to see other peoples side of things.

I enjoyed reading about Eelyn and her family, although I did find the names a little confusing at times. I'd like to see another story about some of the other characters in the future please...

3.5 Stars in my Sky!

I received a review copy

This book was a great story of determination, strength, and family. While there was romance, I did not feel that it completely took over the book. There was still the focus on family and what it means to grow up in a divided world. This book did have the cliche warring societies where your main character is forced to live among the "enemy". However, I felt like it was done in a unique way with this viking-like aspect. I really liked seeing aspects of Riki life through Eelyn's Askan viewpoint. I wish we would have been able to see more Askan life.

I also felt like the ending of the book was rushed with the major climax and battle being quickly resolved and minimal closure. I do however appreciate that this is a standalone novel. So many books lately have been series and I liked that Adrienne Young gave us a standalone where the story is complete. That being said, I think 20 or so more pages would have allowed for less of the feeling of rushing and allow for complete resolution.

This standalone novel earned 5 stars from me. I loved the characters (Eelyn + Fiske = True ❤ 4eva), I loved the setting, the plot, the world building, the Viking culture, and all of the grey areas in this book. I really loved how the relationships were not all black and white. There were some definite grey areas that make it relatable. For one, the betrayal between Iri and Eelyn. I don’t feel that it’s ever actually resolved nor do I feel like something like that in real life ever would be. You can’t take a sting out of something like that and Eelyn knows this but more importantly Iri knows it too. But he doesn’t really beg forgiveness. He leans more towards the “I’m sorry you feel that way, sister but this is my life now”.

And then the whole “Do we trust Eelyn, or has homegirl lost her mind” vibe coming from Myra and Aghi. Of course they’re extremely apprehensive about Eelyn coming back out of nowhere with the enemy in tow. It would be crazy if they were like SURE ARCHENEMY COME INTO MY KITCHEN AND HAVE SOME NICE VIKING TEA. No. I’m glad that not everything was easy in this novel. I appreciated the complexity of relationships of all the characters.

Of course Iri’s relationship with both of his families. Because how could that not have some grey in there? Talk about having a “complicated” relationship status.

Especially Fiske and Eelyn’s. He knows he’s mad about her early on but realizes that she’s a little crazy, if not a little immature in the beginning with a lot of life changes happening around her so he doesn’t push the subject. I loved reading all of the little hints he would drop her. He would casually throw a statement of unreadable undying love at her and then walk away all broodily. It was the cutest thing ever.

I don’t really have many dislikes for this novel. I feel like Young did an amazing job for her debut. Some small things I noticed were that Eelyn sobbed A LOT. Not that she didn’t have a right too. She definitely seemed like the moody 17 year old who covers up heartbrokenness and change with anger but she would start sobbing about just about everything. I don’t know, maybe I’m being too tough on the girl. She lived a hard Viking life anyway. Another thing that seemed a tad bit distracting in the beginning of the book was there are quite a few short, punctuated sentences. I think they’re used for emphasis but I think that could have been edited a little better.

I feel like I need to comment on the title of this book. I was so confused about the meaning in the beginning. When I first heard about it I thought it was about a girl named Sky but it’s actually based off a beautiful scene that takes place in the book. I thought that was creative and needed to be noted. It’s one of my favorite scenes in the book.

This should haven been a great book. The setting is fantastic, the writer is competent, and the world building is good. However, the characters are completely flat and uninteresting. I did not care about what happened to them at all. And the main character who was supposed to be a strong warrior woman type had tears running down her face in nearly every scene. I only made it through 30% of the book before giving up and returning it. There were also multiple typos and incorrect word usage. I expected a lot more quality from such a high priced digital book.

I enjoyed this book. I always like a strong female character whose able to fight. There were some things I liked, and some I didn't. Spoilers ahead.

What I liked:

The main character doesn't give up, but is able to adapt her way of thinking. She doesn't stay set in her ways. When it's necessary to adapt, she does.
She has a strong set of friends and family, who she is willing to fight for, and possibly sacrifices her afterlife in order to not leave her father alone.
I liked the romance towards the end. It's origins bother me but it was a satisfying ending.

What I didn't like:

The origins of the romance. While she's never compliant, never accepts being a slave, she still essentially is, and she "belongs" to the person she eventually falls in love with. The power dynamic is uncomfortable. I wish that it had waited more to establish it after she was no longer a slave. (And yes, I know he only bought her to keep her from being sent elsewhere but its still an issue.)

I also disliked that her romance made her stupid. Again, spoilers. I didn't like how in the final battle she just...stops everything to run searching for him among the dead. You have more important things to worry about, deal with it after you've won. It almost costs her her life, all because she couldn't finish her fight with out going looking, then staring at him when she realizes he isn't dead. Her priorities were pretty straight forward before, but after the romance, they're skewed.

I did enjoy this book overall, however.

Sky in the Deep is a fun read with elements of romance and action. The viking like setting is beyond thrilling. I couldn't put this down.

Eelyn is a strong girl that fights for her people. Her group has been at an endless war with a neighboring clan. When she encounters her brother in battle, she is stunned with disbelief.

The last time she saw him, he was dead.

As she seeks to find her brother, she gets captured by the enemy. She expects to hate her captors, but she slowly realizes that both clans are similar. As her heart and mind battle with her previous ideas and thoughts, bigger threats appear. Can the groups unite and successfully work together?

The fantasy and characters were absolutely perfect, and the romance was touching. My heart fluttered a bit at some scenes. I loved the world Adrienne Young created, and I can't wait to read more of her books in the future.

4.5 Stars!

Sky in the Deep is a beautifully written novel about a young girl who is every bit as fierce and strong as she is kick butt, brave and completely bad a$%. Truly, she makes you want to be her, fighting, death, and brutality and all.

She is a warrior in every sense of the word and set in a very much Viking-esque atmosphere, this novel is one that will keep you on the edge of your seat eagerly turning the pages wanting more.

Romance, struggles, and fights to the bloody death, this is a novel that will stick with you. It grabs hold of your emotions and keeps them front and center while it mercilessly plays with them as the story progresses and moves at a fast pace that will leave your heart pounding and your lungs gasping for breath.

Truly a stand out YA stand alone novel that is sure to grab your attention and leave you wishing there was more to come.

**Thank you, NetGalley, for sending me an electronic ARC to review!**

Eelyn, at 17 years old, is fighting in her second battle against the rival Riki clan. Eelyn is battle-hardened even at her young age; she and her father are warriors, whose main objectives are fighting and survival. Unfortunately, this battle won't make things any easier, because one of the first faces she sees is that of her brother, Iri -- who died at the hands of the enemy five years earlier.

Following Iri into the forest and away from the battle, she is taken prisoner, where she must face her brother's betrayal while living in the Riki village, where every neighbor is an enemy and every scar may be one she personally inflicted. If that wasn't hard enough, the village gets attacked by a ruthless enemy thought to be a legend. Can she possibly trust the people who surround her, forgive her brother, and save both her own clan and the one she is starting to, if not adopt, at least humanize?

Kat's notes: I didn't know I needed a kickass Viking-esque warrior girl with excessive emotional baggage and an iron will in my life, but apparently I did, because Eelyn is exactly what my reading life was missing. I find myself hoping for more books by this author, even before *this* book has been published, because I just can't get enough. The characters, the writing style, the bloody battles and village life and substitute mother figure... YES! I couldn't put this down, and while I am not one to make fan-art... I may be tempted to make myself an Eelyn action figure.

Sky in the Deep by debut author Adrienne Young is a violently beautiful tale that follows the story of seventeen year old Eelyn, a ruthless Aska warrior who is locked in a generations-old blood feud with the Riki clan. On the battlefield, Eelyn must confront the impossible- the brother she watched die five years ago is alive, and fighting for the enemy. Conflicted and confused, Eelyn must put aside her preconceived notions of loyalty in order to unite the two warring clans and battle a mythical enemy that threatens to destroy them all.

After reading the description, I had high hopes for this novel and Adrienne Young did not disappoint. The characters were dynamic and intriguing, the world building was well developed, and the pacing was just right. To be able to experience the theme of change and shifting loyalties through Eelyn's eyes was really unique experience. Eelyn is a character that will grab your attention and refuse to let you leave her world until you flip that last page.
One of the most remarkable things about this novel in my opinion was Young’s ability to make her main character so realistic. I am by no means a ruthless ax-wielding warrior like Eelyn, but I really identified with her character. I felt Eelyn’s hurt and the full force of her brother’s betrayal as if the feelings were my own. My heart twisted along with Eelyn’s as she was forced to question her once resolute beliefs about loyalty to her clan and her place in the world. The familial bonds and the romantic relationship were both well developed, and I loved how Young pushed her character to confront that grey area where new relationships intersected old ones.

All in all, this story checked all the boxes for me. Kick A** Heroine? Yep! Intense action scenes? Of course! And amazing writing? Absolutely!
Be sure to add this Young Adult novel to you reading list, folks. You’re not going to want to miss out on this amazing read.

Just the word ‘Viking’ was enough to draw my interest to Sky in the Deep but it definitely didn’t hurt that Adrienne Young is an amazing storyteller.

Viking wars, berserker tendencies, and a love interest too; you don’t want to miss this one! If I were a Viking warrior, I would want to be just like Eelyn. She’s strong, feisty, and determined and her character was easy to empathize with. Fiske (oh, Fiske!), Iri, Myra, Halvard, and the rest of the characters that rounded out the story, the setting, the fighting, the rituals; everything made this book fantastic!

I devoured this book while at the same time hoping it would never end. I love that it’s a stand-alone because they are so rare these days, but I was stalking Young before I even finished reading to make sure we were going to hear more from her. Bonus: there’s a companion novel coming in 2019!!

This is a must-buy! Recommended for lovers of fantasy, historical fiction, YA, and romance.

I had hoped this one would be good but it blew all of my expectations out of the water. I will admit I was initially drawn to the cover but then when I heard YA Vikings it flew to the top of my 2018 wish list. This level of excitement is often a recipe for disaster but once I sat down with this book I did not get up again until I had finished it. I loved everything about it. Eeyln was such a wonderful character- strong but still so full of emotion and vulnerability. I loved reading about a world that I know next to nothing about. I love that while there was a lot of action there was so much more character development. I love that this is a standalone but that there will be a companion novel coming out next year so I can revisit the world without worrying that Eeylyn story will be messed up with a sequel.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

I cannot gush over this book enough! Sky in the Deep is breathless, vivid, and badass, with a heroine you’ll at once want to scream at and for. Debut Adrienne Young has created a book you’ll never want to leave, with characters you’ll instantly love.

Step into a Viking-inspired world, fully-realized and beautiful, heart breaking and wonderful. Here, Eelyn is a young woman of war, having spent her entire life fighting with and for her people, having felt the sharp pain of war and has emerged the most hardened warrior. After years of honing her body into a weapon, her heart and mind into unforgiving stone, Eelyn mirrors the unyielding surroundings and people of Aska. But her world is turned upside down when she discovers her brother – a brother she watched die on the battlefield – fighting alongside her enemies, the ruthless Riki.

The writing in this debut is beautiful and confident, the characters fully realized and unique. Young has proved herself a confident and adept writer, and has easily become one of my must-buy authors. Fans of Renee Ahdieh’s lushly painted world in The Wrath and the Dawn and the badass, self-sufficient heroine of Marie Rutkoski’s Winner’s Series will love this book!

Shel: Sky in the Deep was a happy accident I stumbled upon and one quick read of the synopsis and I was all in. It's not my usual thing, but I loved the idea of a YA fantasy featuring a kickass heroine, Eelyn, in some vivid battle scenes. And guess what? It did feature a kick (edit) heroine and some great fight scenes. But even more than that, it delved into the struggle of living in a time of perpetually fighting the same enemy clan, suffering losses at their hands, and what happens when you are taken by your enemy. Add to that, the need to swallow your pride and fight alongside your enemy for the greater good, and admit to yourself that your future might be with that enemy, and you have the makings of some angsty times.

Shel: I really enjoyed trying something outside of my normal reading and am looking for my next new read!

Oh my. Y'all. This book. So much raw emotion and power. A truly visceral experience.

Let me start by saying this book is all the things I typically am not into. Historical flavored stuff, especially, is usually not for me. AND YET: ★★★★★

This appealed to me in the same way that And I Darken did, though, but less dense and with livelier pacing. They're both books that are seriously against type for me, but their intensely character driven narratives suck me in with the need to know if their characters will ever be able to overcome their flaws, or if they'll succumb and destroy themselves. Sky in the Deep hit me in the feels with its focus on family relationships, both blood family and found family, and in particular the close and complicated sibling relationships. Aaaaagh my favorite!

Lest you think Eelyn is yet another generic Strong Female Character Who Is Not Like Other Girls, please let me clarify: The beautiful thing about this book is its reflection of Viking culture and the role of women. Eelyn is not special because she's a woman warrior. There are lots of women warriors. It's just the way of things. And the men in this book are deeply emotional, too, and not at all afraid to show it. Eelyn is loyal to her core, fierce, proud, loving, and ultimately powerful in a way that has nothing to do with her physical strength.

Also, the audiobook is fantastic and I highly recommend it!

Let me just say... I LOVE THIS BOOK! I was immediately drawn in by the fact that it was about the equivalent of a female Viking but it is so much more than that!

Eeyln's clan, the Aska, must battle a neighboring clan, the Riki, every 5 years because their gods are enemies. Eeyln sees something on the battlefield that haunts her and makes her wonder just what exactly happened to her brother, who she saw die five years ago. This story has so many layers to unfold and I loved every minute of it. Eeyln does not fall victim to the general "badass female protagonist" pitfalls. She balances physical strength, and mental strength, without ever forgetting love or forgiveness. This story deals with loss, family relationships, female friendship, found families, war, casualties of war, and love. I will say there are a few graphic descriptions of violence so if you can stomach that and think this book might appeal to you, please give it a read!! I cannot wait to buy it once it comes out in stores!!

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

ARC provided by publisher and NetGalley for free, but this does not influence my review.

Right out of the gate this book grabs you and pulls you in. The action and adventure, in the beginning, had me cheering for the Aska to slay all the Riki as they are mortal enemies. I wasn't expecting the story to unfold the way it did.

We follow the tale of Eelyn who while battling for her way of life, her people, and her pride. Everything is as it should be until during a battle she spots what she believes is her brother fighting alongside their mortal enemies. While investigating she is kidnapped by the Riki and what ensues is a tale of loyalty, faith, and with some romance.

Vikings, kick-butt female, and a little romance had me wishing there was more when the story ended. I am very much looking forward to owning this one in print.

If you’re a fan of fierce AF female lead characters you absolutely HAVE to read this book! Adrienne Young has gifted this world with a gripping story rooted in family and honor that features characters you’re sure to love.

Eelyn is a 17-year-old (because this is YA) Aksa Viking devoted to her father and her tribe. Wielding an axe, this girl is a total badass alongside her best friend as they go into battle against the Riki. Eelyn never expected to see her brother, long-since dead from his last battle, fighting alongside her enemy. Eelyn follows her brother, leading to her capture by the Riki, and is then faced with the challenge of surviving in an enemy tribe while learning the truth of her brothers betrayal.

Eelyn is the character every girl wishes they could be – she’s fierce, she’s loyal, she’s beautiful, she can kick your ass and she’s unbelievably stubborn. Young does a phenomenal job developing her into this complex character as she battles her desire to return home and hatred for the Riki against her internally caring nature and love for family. Young’s writing will have you rooting for Eelyn to escape while you are simultaneously pining for her to remain with Fiske, our handsome love interest.

The world is rich with Viking culture; battle, spiritual guides and rituals, and some all-to-real violence that paints a vivid picture of the dangers our main character faces as she is thrown into an enemy camp. Young balances honesty to culture with gripping story telling that leaves readers completely immersed in this violent and captivating world. Young does a fantastic job weaving in romantic and family subplots that enhance the storyline rather than feel out of place or overused.

At it’s core, this story is about defying the odds and unity. Eelyn starts the novel as a character hell bent on proving herself in battle and destroying her enemy. Along the way, Eelyn sees that both the Aska and the Riki share a common enemy and must work to unite the tribes to work together, overcoming generations of hatred.

I absolutely loved this book and it’s a must read for anyone who loves YA novels that feature complex and fierce lead characters without a lot of frill and excessive emphasis on the romantic subplot. You get all the feels AND all the action. It’s a win-win and definitely a five star read!

Not enough stars!!

OH.MY.GOSH. I just finished this and now I’m sitting here with a big dorky smile on my face. Such a good book. Exciting and adventurous. Romantic and sweet. It’s just like the store said, Wonder Woman meets Vikings.

I loved the romance weaved throughout this story. It’s subtle. I wondered if there was even going to be a romance, and amazingly I was okay if there wasn’t. I was that hooked. But when it showed up, I was super happy.

There is so much I wanna say, but I’ll let you read it and enjoy it for yourself. But the best part is that it’s a standalone! This wonderful story is all wrapped up in one spectacular package.

I found a new author to obsess over. SO GOOD!

I can’t wait till my daughter reads this book. She’s gonna love it. LOVE IT. Ax and knife throwing is a hobby of hers.

I tried to remember who I was.
STRONG. BRAVE. FIERCE. SURE.
I tried to summon her to me—that Eelyn who would choose her people over anything else. I searched for her within myself, but she was different now. I was different. And it was something that was already done. Something I couldn’t change.

3.75 stars

I really really enjoyed this book. I loved the main character, Eelyn, and I loved the fast pace of this story. It’s a fantasy story based on Viking culture, which honestly, the YA community could use more of. I must admit, I wasn’t overwhelmed with the “Vikingness” like I wanted to be. It is a fantasy story but part of me wishes this had been historical fiction. This could have been based on Brittania or even Sparta. Other than the braids and the kol, this didn’t scream “VIKING” at me.

Eelyn is an amazing protagonist. She’s passionate and brutal and unashamed of both. She’s fiercely loyal to her family and her people. There is an awesome female friendship in this story and even though they didn’t get a lot of page time together, Young did a great job in creating a sisterly bond. While Eelyn is stubborn as she is strong, she learns to listen to reason. Basically, she’s a main character this community needs more of.

The plot was fast paced. I found myself reading it quicker than I normally do and I enjoy those kinds of reads. I don’t always need intricate plot and dense prose. If that’s what you’re looking for, this is the book for you! I will admit that it dragged in the middle. Instead of fighting, she was stuck doing house chores and quite frankly, it wasn’t that interesting.

The ship. I’m still not sure how I feel about it. On one had I think it was a little instalovey, but of course it was. It only had 300 pages to set up a romance. Fiske was borderline bland but I appreciated his loyalty and strength. They were a good match. But it could be interpreted as instalove so here’s your warning.

All in all, this was a good story. The author has such a way with words. I found myself reading lines over and over because of how beautiful they were. I would definitely recommend this book! I look forward to the sequel!

I didn’t want this book to end. I slowly read it to make it last longer. The characters were in my heart and brain and I didn’t want to let them go. They became a part of me. I dreamt of them. At night and in my daydreams. I was praying the whole time that this was a cliff so I could savor it for a little while longer. It wasn’t though but it had the most perfect ending anyone could wish for.

There was loss and there was love. Sky in the Deep will stay with me for months to come. I can’t explain how much I fell in love with this book. The rich background and the characters you love and some love to hate. The emotions pouring through me even as I type this. Adrienne Young has a way with words that will leave you breathless and longing for more.

A YA fantasy about Vikings? Yes, please! This tale of two rival Viking tribes completely consumed me. The story focuses on two quarreling tribes, the Aska and the Riki, who basically slaughter each other each thaw over a lengthy feud. This cast contains a badass crew of characters, and is told through Eelyn’s point of view. While this book subtlety reminded of me of a bloody and violent Romeo and Juliet, it was also completely refreshing. I loved reading a YA fantasy, about Vikings, escepically strong, powerful, independent female Vikings who aren’t afraid to show vulnerability. I think Young masterfully created a fascinating new world, with relatable characters, and plot that will keep you up late at night. My only complaint is that I have the worst book hangover after reading this! I need more books from Adrianne Young!!!

This is one of my favorite books so far this year!
Eelyn is an amazing heroine and this book is so full of culture. Who doesn't love Vikings? The pacing is perfect and I loved all of the characters. The world building is gorgeous and the plot, I was holding my breath at the end.

Eelyn lost her family in a clan war five years ago. She has used this pain to become a better and stronger warrior until the day she is taken captive by the other clan. She is forced to do things that she wouldn't normally do as a slave. The whole time she is contemplating her escape and her revenge. I don't want to say much more and spoil this book but I highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sky in the Deep is fantastically written and I absolutely loved the story. Initially I requested to review this book because I'd heard great things about it and I loved the cover but the story exceeded all of my expectations.

Eelyn is a strong character and her emotions were very well conveyed; I felt betrayed when she felt betrayed by Iri, I felt her sorrow for her family and the Riki during the attacks that brought the clans together, and nervous anticipation during the battle scenes (which I thought were well written).

Sky in the Deep is like stepping into the world of Vikings, which happens to be my favorite show, so I think fans of the show will love this book.

Overall, I highly recommend this book! It's definitely a book to have on your TBR list this spring. I only feel sad that I've finished the book and have to leave this world behind.

I didn't know what to think going into this novel, the synopsis sounded super interesting, but it wasn't until I was a few chapters in that I knew I was going to LOVE this book..
It's high action, and I love that there's family, friendships, subtle romance, and none of the topics are too strong, and you get the perfect feel of emotions when reading this novel.
Eylen, the main character and also POV of the novel, you connect with her from the get go, (not in that vikings sort of way) but you connect with her drive, and motivation.
It's a wonderful story of perseverance, and determination!
It's definitely a winner for me and I extremely recommend it, if you're looking for a badass feminine protagonist, and a packed with action novel!
This will be perfect for you!

SO AMAZING!!!
this book hit a whole new level for me. I was SO attached to these characters within like 20 pages that tears were streaming down my face for over half the book because I was feeling exactly what the main character was feeling. I finished this book in less than one day...I only put it down to pee, eat, and feed my son and make sure he was cleaning his room. I was so invested in every single word, the writing was THAT good. the detail in this book was amazing. It is the best read of 2018 for me so far, easily. I loved every minute of this book. It's beautiful in a vulnerable but strong way. if you are on the fence, buy it, read it and love it.

When I first heard of a book about a girl viking, I didn't think it would be for me. I then read a small sample that included a battle scene and I decided I would pass on this book. Then, NetGalley allowed me to read the eARC of Sky in the Deep and I fell in love. This book is so much more than a book about vikings! This book is about loyalty, challenging what we believe, and how willing we are to grow and change. Eelyn, the main character has everything she thinks she knows challenged. She, like many of us, is brought up being told the differences between her tribe and the tribe they meet on the battlefield every fighting season. Not only does she find her brother, long thought dead, fighting with the enemy but she will also see them at a different level on their ground and realize that we have more in common as people than we often think.

This books is a great read, engaging, fast-paced with a real danger facing the characters. I recommend it for readers who want to think about their world around them, who like adventure, a touch of romance, and most importantly strong families and friendships.

A raw, emotional, and heart racing story that takes you into the world a warrior. This book had me right from the cover. It draws you in and promises that this will not be a fluffy story. Indeed it is dark, real, detailed, and thoughtful. The author painted a picture of the Riki and Aska clans battles and the wounds left from it. Eelyn is a hardened warrior who would rather die than be taken by the enemy. But maybe the enemy is just like she is. Now faced with decisions she never thought she would have to and find a way to bring the clans together to save them all.
This is a book you should read if you enjoy subtle romance of enemies to lovers, but more important if you like a story about overcoming the odds.

This book was fantastic! I think I got through it in just one night - I couldn't put it down! The main character, Eelyn, is such a badass warrior queen (well, not literally a queen). She's who I want to be when I grow up. Minus all the killing. I also really admired her resolve to get the fighting to stop and bring enemies together for a common cause.

I absolutely loved her relationship with her fighting partner/not-blood-sister. I mean, they had their disagreements, obvi, but they were still so supportive of each other, and literally willing to kill for each other.

The romance in this book, while expected, did surprise me with how seriously / immediately it came on. It was "now you see me, now you don't" magic trick, just in reverse.

Now, the relationship with her brother was interesting. It is different reading something where everyone thought someone was dead, but he's not, and the character aren't all just excited and maybe a little short-term angry about it. I actually think Eelyn's reaction is really understandable.

This book almost felt like historical fiction, it was so detailed and felt so realistic. I loved the primitive feel of the warring tribes and how it felt Nordic and ancient but also relatable. It brought you back to basic human emotions and needs and it felt raw and powerful.
It was a little slow-going in the beginning and it took me a few days to really get into the story. About halfway through, I did get into it and couldn't stop after that.
As is typical for me, I ate up the romance and it gave me such strong feels. It was the best kind of star-crossed romance with a hot, sensitive guy and a strong, broken woman.
All the women in this book were fabulous warriors. And the writing was beautiful. And the more I write about this book the more I'm realizing that it was awesome and everyone should go read it. It was different and so good.

Great story. I was surprised by how well I connected to Eelyn. I understood her feelings every step of the way. Some of the fight scenes lost me a little bit, but everything else was very good.

I really enjoyed the story, and admired the strength of the main character and her capacity to grow. The only thing I didn't like about the story was one tiny part where she talks about herself as not being special. She most definitely was. This story can stand alone very well, but I can see where the story might continue.

I will certainly be looking out for more by this author.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own. It earned every star.

The Aska and the Riki clans are enemies locked in a long-standing feud. Eelyn is an Aska warrior whose life is upended when she sees the brother she thought was dead fighting with the Riki against his own clan. Captured by her brother and his friend, she is taken up into the snowy mountains with the Riki warriors.

Adrienne Young's debut novel is rich with Viking imagery; the setting, the clans, the clothing, the weapons, the rivalry, the religions. It's a book that creates striking visuals in the imagination of its readers including some nail-biting battle scenes. (Battle scenes often bore me, but I found the battle scenes in this book to be pretty riveting.) Eelyn is such a strong female protagonist--both mentally and physically.

Vikings! And so much more than that. I haven't read YA Fantasy in a beat, but this book took my hand and yanked me into myths, legends, and a new world in the most wonderful way. There's a lot to love about this book, from the authors beautiful (albeit at times violent) writing to the growth of Eelyn's character. The latter may be my favorite part, as the author executed Eelyn's movements, emotions, decisions, thoughts, missteps in such a way that it made complete sense. I also loved the themes of 'fate' and 'hope' that emerged. I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy fantasy, but also historical.

I received an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I found myself at lost for words on how to describe the magnificent that is this book. Sky in the Deep left me emotionally distraught--in a good way--and craving for more. I was on edge waiting the whole time reading for what is to come next, but at the same time, I wanted to slow down and not let it end. AHHH!
It is not a story to be taken lightly, for it is filled with heart and soul. Adrienne Young has flawlessly captured the five senses into her writing giving me front seat row in the story. Every word that was uttered was done carefully and purposefully making you not want to miss a single thing said or done. 
Sensitive topics such as religion and family were approached in a way that made one listen, understand and feel. The story has a focal point on something that many ya books do not touch much on: family, sibling love, friendship, forgiveness and raw open sweet romance. There is no ya novel, to my knowledge, that has so wondrously captured the open, jealous, and tearful sibling love between a main character and brother. I have utterly and un-shamefully given my heart to this book.
Even though the book is told from a single person point of view, I was able to thoroughly connect with all the characters in the book without feeling any resentment towards any of them. The main character had the aspects of what a true heroine should be like: fierce and independent yet vulnerable and rational.
This book blew my mind. I did not want it to end. I don't know what to do with myself, now. Like, what other books out there can equal this one. This is a story that I am going to reread forever. I will never be able to get over how fantastic this book is. 
You will regret passing the opportunity to read this book. Truly from the bottom of my heart, REEEEEEEAAAAAADDDD!! THIS BOOK!! 

I really liked the flow of this book! The main character is one bad ass female that i think needs to be shown more in books. The book begins in the middle of a fight between the two warring tribes and it really doesn't slow down from there. We are introduced to people fairly quickly but it's not all at once, which is something new to the YA world. I also liked the way the love interest happens, if you skip a few pages you lose it all! It's something that I had to go back a re-read since the character feels a lot of emotions, from discovering her dead brother to being captured to being thrust into a new world, you don't even realize that two people are slowly falling in love. I do wish we had a lot more backstory to the conflict between tribes, we discover a lot of why they fight while we are learning a lot of other info at the same time, this is why i had to go back a re-read the book to pick up or focus more on the other factors that were happening in the book. This is a stand alone book, which is a breath of fresh air from the 3 series norm that's taking over the book world. If the author does continue the series it would be a new plot which would be nice! I enjoyed the world building and the new take on the insta-love that seems to be in all the new books...this book explores love between siblings, friends that have become family and seeing that even if we are taught others are bad they really are just like us in everyday matters!

Eelyn is an unflinching warrior raised on the viciousness of a never-ending war, and she takes the fierce YA heroine game to a whole new level. Her fury at her brother's betrayal is raw and pervasive, and you can palpably feel her anger toward him and everyone in the rival tribe he's abandoned his blood family for. Her inner conflict as she starts to realize the Riki aren't as "other" as she'd always believed created crackling tension, and she harbors deep fears about going against her tribe's god, which could cost her the afterlife. Loyalty was such a pervasive theme here - how we bestow it, who deserves it, and the incredible cost when it begins to shift.

*I received Sky in the Deep from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

If you love fantasy, Vikings, and a good, love story, then Adrienne Young’s debut novel, Sky in the Deep, is probably going to be for you.

Eelyn has spent her entire life training with her fellow Aska to be a warrior on the battlefield. When she sees her brother, who she saw die five years earlier, fighting with the Riki, her clan’s sworn enemy, everything she thought she knew is turned upside down. However, there’s another enemy out there who’s preying on both clans. Can Eelyn convince the Aska and the Riki to come together to defeat the common enemy?

Sky in the Deep has a vast array of things going for it a good old fashioned “star-crossed lovers” love story. Young does a great job of building the romance between Eelyn and Fiske and giving them little moments throughout the book that show the beginning of their relationship and how it develops. It may not appeal to the male population as much as it does the female, but I think that those who typically enjoy young adult novels will be drawn into the plot.

There’s also great deal of action, especially towards the end of the book. Young does a really nice job of writing fight scenes, which can oftentimes make or break a book for me. If you are going to take the risk of writing a fight scene, please know what you are doing. Young did well.

Another thing that Young did well with Sky in the Deep was write likable characters that you want to cheer for. She did a nice job of writing so that the reader got invested into the characters, without even realizing it. I found at the end, I was cheering for people to succeed that I hadn’t even realized I’d liked.

The beginning of the book moves quickly along, with a few major cliff hanging chapters. Young easily pulls the reader into the world she’s created, but then the storyline plateaus for about half of the book and while it’s still interesting, it’s not “can’t put down” good like the first few chapters are. I’ll admit, I got a little bored for a few chapters but about halfway through, the action really ramps up again and stays steady until the end. I ended up reading the entire second half of the book in one sitting, because it got that interesting. I will encourage you, if you get stuck in the first half of the book, don’t give up. The reward of pushing through some plot set up is worth it.

Sky in the Deep is a bit different from some of the other fantasy young adult novels that have gained popularity over the past decade. Instead of focusing on a dystopian society or a world with magic, the story deals with a Viking type culture in a period setting. I haven’t seen anything in the young adult world that deals with Vikings or that culture, so Sky in the Deep is a refreshing change of pace from some of the other popular books out there.

Ond Eldr. Breathe Fire.

Completely, 100% full of that Viking Badassery that you'd hope and expect. It did take me a hot minute to get into the book, more because of the writing style, some of the words in my copy were present tense then past tense, so I got a little confused but as I pushed through, the problem righted itself, and I ended up thoroughly enjoyed the story. Eelyn is kickass, warrior viking who is strong and seriously stubborn, but in those pages, you watch her grow so much, she grows so much, no just for herself, but also her people and her enemies. And Fiske ??? Just Aww..! 5 ? ? ? ? ? Stars all the way!

This is a wonderful debut and makes me want to watch for more from this author in the future. The story is complex and characters are rich and three dimensional. I enjoyed Eelyn's story; her growth throughout the novel is wonderful. The classic enemies-to-lovers trope is here, in full force, but it's a trope for a reason and this novel gives a wonderful example of it.

I fell in love with the complex social dynamics between the clans and enjoyed the struggle to unite them. The culture is rich and descriptive, drawing you in.

Overall, this is a solid debut and I'm looking forward to more from this author in coming years.

I always feel when I read books with a heroine I get left somewhat unsatisfied with how she is portrayed . I would've never guessed this level of violent brutal story telling would bring me what I most needed. Eelyns hate turned to my hate and my heart thawed with hers. I felt her love and fierce protectiveness of her family and it was something I instantly connected with. In an era in which women are still fighting I feel Eelyns fight is something we all have felt in wars of our own. I can honestly say if this only the beginning from Adrienne Young then I cannot wait for more.

THIS BOOK. I AM IN LOVE. OH MY GOSH. JDKWKDKNFN. I don’t even know what to say except that this girl can write! Plus the cover is just gorgeous. I mean who doesn’t love a good cover?

I am just blown away with this world. I loved everything about it. VIKINGS! I normally love romance in any type of book and feel that is what makes a book boom for me. BUT if this didn’t even have any romance I think I would have loved it just because of the world building. Yes I said it. Don’t get me wrong though, the romance was OH MY GOSH MY HEART. It took me for a loop because I wasn’t expecting that aspect to even be as great as what it was.

The characters were AMAZING. I loved everyone single one of them. Eelyn is such a strong female protagonist. Her strength and will to fight for what she loves is admirable. Fiske was everything. Such a brave warrior with a wall up just waiting for someone to break through *insert heart eyes here*. I want Inge, Halvard, and Iri to be my family. I loved how after so much bloodshed and war throughout time that people still could come together for the greater good.

Just please read this if you haven’t already. Pretty please with sugar on top?

I am such a sucker for a gorgeous cover and how gorgeous is this! So of course with a cover like that I needed to know what this book was about and if it was for me. After reading the summary-that was it for me, I was sold 10 times over!!

OND ELDR. BREATHE FIRE.

As soon as you begin the book you can expect action with
seventeen-year-old Eelyn. She captivated me right from the beginning along with her clansmen-the Aska, who fight in an ancient, rivalry against the Riki clan. Eelyn is a fierce warrior, a good friend, a loving daughter, and definitely someone I would want by my side in battle. All is going as planned for the battle-kill the Riki and survive until one battle everything changes-she sees her brother and he is fighting with the enemy. Crazy thing is she watched him die five years ago in battle to which she still feels responsible for. After trying to confront him see gets captured by Fiske, her brothers friend and brought to the Riki’s village to survive the winter in the mountains as the Riki’s slave. Only when another clan, the Herja, threatens not only the Riki clan but the Aska clan, she must try to do what has never been done and unite both clans against their common enemy.

I loved this book so much because it is more character driven than action driven. Don’t get me wrong-there’s still plenty of action in here otherwise it wouldn’t feel like a Viking story. (I don’t know about anyone else but that’s what I always envision. Fierce warriors dressed in leather and fur with long hair and unruly braids who worship their gods, and are devoted to their clan!) For a stand-alone book it didn’t drag on. I’ve fallen into some books that were great but I had to skip chapters wherein the main characters interact with unnecessary scenes surrounding the idea of getting a better sense of them yet I didn’t feel it contributed to the story. This book didn’t need all that, these characters were well written from the beginning and continued to build and grow through to the end. This book was definitely on point for me and is a must read!! My only wish is that there was a sequel!!!

Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me an ARC!!

"Are we still enemies? You and I?"

My favorite book of 2018 so far!!! This book was so.so. good. I can't even breathe right now from how good it was. I just want to bask in this wonderful book. ? The characters in this book were all amazing. I loved everything from the action to the romance. There was a certain scene in this book where I was just gasping scared for what was about to happen. I loved this. I devoured it. I am going to shout to all my book friends to grab this book. Dear Adrienne Young, can I beg you for more Eelyn and Fiske? Pleaseeeeee???

Adrienne Young's *Sky in the Deep* is an action-packed novel with no shortage of fast-paced battle scenes that would appeal to fans of History Channel's hit series, *Vikings*. The great thing about this book is that it delivers the brutality of warfare to a younger audience, in a less explicit, albeit more accessible way.

That is not to say that *Sky in the Deep* is a tame read. It draws heavily on Scandinavian influence, especially the warfare of the Vikings, and contains bloodshed galore, but in a way that young adult readers can easily absorb. It's a well-written and interesting new addition to the genre, as there are few young adult novels with a Viking theme.

We follow Eelyn, a seventeen year old Aska warrior and the narrator of the novel, as her life is uprooted and she is forced to question everything she thought she knew. The Aska and their centuries-old enemies, the Riki, are divided by a bitter blood feud. There is some light mythology into the blood feud's beginnings, harkening back to fictional Gods, Sigr and Thora, whose rivalry inspired both clans to battle for honor in a fighting season that occurs every five years.

The book immediately launches readers into battle with Eelyn--Aska pitted against Riki--and it is here that she sees her brother, Iri, in the fray. He's supposed to be long dead, but he's not; he's alive and fighting for the Riki, and this revelation sets forth a series of events that force not only Eelyn, but both clans to reassess their relationship. Eelyn is captured by her enemies and forced to live amongst them. Although she suffers humiliation and anger, she slowly begins to acknowledge the similarities between her people and those she has trained her whole life to destroy.

When a greater threat presents itself, the Aska and the Riki must decide whether a common enemy is enough to unite them, or if the wounds between them run far too deep.

Overall, *Sky in the Deep* was a fun read. The detailed action scenes were the driving force of this novel for me, but the characters fell a bit flat. Eelyn is a fierce and loyal warrior, a loving friend, daughter, and lover. But I could not connect with the characters in a deep and meaningful way. They lacked depth, as if they were blurry outlines of their real potential, and just needed to be sharpened into focus a bit more. The highlight of this book lies in its intense descriptions of battle that are likely to propel readers towards a satisfying, if not predictable, conclusion.

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This story is the vivid, reach-out-and-touch-it world of the clans; their ferocity and sometimes crushing loyalty. It's a rich and incredible culture with vibrant characters that beckons the reader into this gorgeously hostile landscape. It's high stakes and romance and sweet moments and violence and all that we want it to be. It's the tenderness of family and the hatred of generations. Eelyn is who we all want to be in this world; brave, strong, smart, loyal, and yet flawed, wounded, and fearful in her own way. She is exotic and wild and, somehow, also just like us. Her journey though war, pain, grief, hope, and love set against the snow covered Nordic mountains is a beautiful one. As an author, Adrienne Young's voice is lush and generous and lovely. There were multiple moments where she made me say out loud, "Yesssssss!" I highly recommend you get lost in The Sky in the Deep. And whatever else she writes next.

WOW, I AM SERIOUSLY FANGIRLING ABOUT THIS BOOK. It didn’t disappoint. Seriously. It absolutely surpassed all of my expectations.

When I had first heard of this book, I knew I needed to get my hands on it. As soon as I did, I was glued to the pages from start to finish.

One of my favorite things about this book is the lovely protagonist, Eelyn. She is strong, and not because of trauma or troubles. She is strong because she is! I think this is a refreshing take on a powerful character.

The atmosphere of the novel is spectacular. The balance between the lands, as well as the characters (and their clans) was wonderful. Reading the culture created in this book was so much fun!

And squeals, the hints of romance made my heart scream! Seriously! Once someone has read this, please fan girl with me. Really. It’s just that good.

Final Thoughts

Amazing character and setting. Easy to understand with a strong voice and great pacing.

*I received a copy of SKY IN THE DEEP through NetGalley for an honest review.

Uh... not getting the hype for this book. This is just one fight sequence after another and those are incredibly boring—especially in books. I have been really good about giving books on my shelves a chance (or at least carefully researching reviews) before letting them go. But I think I also need to remind myself that it’s okay to just not want to read a book. Which is what’s happening here. The writing is fine but I just don’t enjoy books that are all action and all fights. It’s boring.

I found this book via an author on Instagram. I started following Adrienne Young shortly before this book was released, and it was so cool to follow that process! I had a few expectations when I picked up this book:

-Bada$$ female characters
-Some mystery/Intrigue
-Family drama

As for my expectations: Every single one of them was met! There are soooo many bada$$ women in this book! I love that Eelyn is a hardened warrior that loves her family and friends so fiercely.

I loved the mystery surrounding her brothers “death,” and the truth behind the whole event. There was definitely a lot of drama between family and clan members, but I was surprised at how heartwarming this story of warring clans ended up being. I picked this book up for the action, but the story has been lingering in my heart because of the relationships.

I love that this book stands alone. I have been reading a lot of series’ lately and it was nice to read a book that had an actual ending with no cliffhanger or unanswered questions. I highly recommend reading this book!

Astonishing. Moving. Epic. Surprising.I couldn't put the book down, which hadn't happened to me in awhile. My fingers gripped the edge of my sofa or my bed, tears rolled down my cheeks, goosebumps all over my body, my heart wanted to jump out of my chest and other times stayed so warm and calm. I could see through the eyes of every character, from their inner world. It was like being inside of a movie, I still feel the crunchy sound of the snow, the fog around me, the adrenaline, the overwhelming love for family and the "impossible" love for somebody that's the enemy, which made it deeper and bigger. This is a story that the world have to read because it shows that we are all humans, we are all the same here and on the other side of the planet. We can change for good! I can't wait for book 2 and for the MOVIE! Thank you Adrienne for this amazing story!

Minor spoilers.

I enjoyed this story since it was well written and mostly believable. I liked Eelyn and Fiske's slow burn feelings for each other, as well as Eelyn's family unit finally knitting itself back together after so long. The only thing that bothered me was that we never find out where the enemy who attack both the Askas and Rikis (forgot their name) came from or why they chose to attack that area. The Aska and Riki wars origin is loosely explained at least.

... my head before bed and could not put it down. I loved the differences between the two peoples and the realization that they were the same. Eelyn and Fiske were fun to watch and see how they fought and snarled. The pace of the entire book was perfect which is difficult for a lot of authors. A quick, interesting read that I recommend. Looking forward to more from this author!

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very engaging story. I appreciated the strong female protagonist in Eelyn, and her journey in self discovery. There was a good amount of action that kept the book flowing, but I was interested in the other characters lives as well. One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the relationships within. It could have been easy for certain characters to remain antagonistic towards Eelyn or vise versa, but they were allowed to grow and have their perspectives changed. It made for a more realistic and rounded characterizations.

My only complaint is that I would have liked to see more of Fiske and Iri. It's hard because this is told from Eelyn's point of view, but I would have liked to have seen more time spent with her and those two, especially Iri. The whole book started off with her running towards her thought-to-be-dead brother, but we never saw their relationship fully heal at the end (at least on her side). It was hinted that they had time to likely mend it, but it would have been more optimistic if they at least lived in the same place. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel.

Eelyn was a girl trained to be a warrior that was told she must destroy another tribe. The same happened to the other tribe.
What will happen when she will be taken by the other tribe as a captive? And how is it possible that her brother that was supposed to be dead for few years.
I loved the way this book was written and how everything was changing slowly (even sometimes painfully), but that was so captivating that I hadn't seen some changes coming.

What a great debut novel by Adrienne Young! I couldn’t put this book down, read it in one day.
The Aska and the Riki are two clans fighting each other. Eelynn fights for the Aska and during one of the battles, she sees her brother. Who died 5 years ago. This book is about trust, forgiveness and growing up. Loved Fiske, Halvard and Iri.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ecopy of the book in advance, for an honest review.

I received this book from a monthly subscription box. I do believe it was owlcrates May box if I'm not mistaken. However, I am pleasantly surprised by how much i loved this book. I wasnt able to pick it up until this morning, because life always gets in the way of course. But I did read it in a day, which says a lot. I couldn't put it down. Normally I don't go for any sort of Viking based books, but I might start now. The characters were so well developed. The conflict was so perfectly described between the clans. None of my questions were left unanswered. The absolute only thing that I didn't like, and it's not really that big of a Deal because the rest of the book was phenomenal, was the romance. I won't go too far into that because I don't want to spoil anything. Of course I was rooting for the characters involved, it just felt sort of anti-climactic. Overall im slightly obsessed. I'd love to see some sort of novella released so we can know how the clans are fairing after the ending.

I loved it! This YA fantasy coming-of-age tale held my interest throughout the entire book. The plot was engaging with a bit of romance and lots of action scenes that will have your heart racing. The story is told through the fiery warrior heroine, Eelyn, who has to open her mind and unlock her heart if her people are to survive. The world building and characterizations are excellent. This is one THRILLING unputdownable read!

My, my, my!!! This Viking story has everything that I love; action, adventure and a swoon-worthy romance. I was floored by this well-written plot and the fantastic characters which captivates readers right from the beginning. This is a must read YA fantasy!

{I requested a copy from the publisher for reviewing purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed herein are unbiased and my own.}

An amazing book. I loved everything about it. The character names, their stories, their strengths, and differences. It was something different, in a great way, from everything that I've picked up recently.
Family love, strong women, acceptance of differences, and open hearts. The character growth and storyline is fascinating.
I was sad to see it finish and wrap up beautifully.

This book sounds like it's about fighting wars, death, and loss.

And it is - kinda.

What it's more about is family - both the one you're born to and the one you make for yourself, personal growth and self discovery, and how at the heart of it we're all the same. It's about how cultures may differ, but at the core is our humanity.

How can I describe this book!? I mean i never read a fantasy book that was finished in one book and i am actually fine with it being one book. Eleyn the girl with fire in her blood and Fiske the hard man with the ever changing heart, i loved reading your journey. Iri the boy who found out that blood doesn’t make family. Gah. I need to watch any and everything about vikings, this story made me want to stand up and sound my own battle cry. The battle was won, not physically but emotionally.

Sky in the Deep definitely lived up to all the hype! This book completely blew me away. The plot was fast paced and exciting, the characters believable and lovable, and the world building was phenomenal. The main character Eelyn was a strong willed, tough character that was given amazing character growth throughout the book. Right from the beginning I was sucked in, Adrienne Young created a beautiful world with these two strong willed tribes and built a wonderful history of this world while still keeping the current plot moving and exciting.

If you haven’t picked up this title yet then you are missing out! Adrienne Young is now an auto buy author for me! Five stars to Sky in the Deep, hands down.

I don't want to say too much about this book expect to say what it isn't. It's not a typical YA fantasy. It's not straight up historical. It's definitely not a romance, although there's a relationship in it. This is a story with an amazing heroine about questioning everything you thought you knew, and it's a bloody good one at that.

Overall, this was a good book and I very much enjoyed reading it. It's very fast-paced, but I did think it was a bit trope filled and I saw the ending coming from a mile away. There is a love to hate romance in the book that I personally thought could have been fleshed out better. I liked the book, but I didn't love it.

I received a free ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a definite page-turner. There were several nights I planned on reading only a couple of chapters and couldn't put it down. The main character moves beautifully through an emotional and difficult heart change, beginning with complete loyalty to her family and tribe then ending in a place (emotionally, physically, and mentally) she never would have imagined before. The author writes vividly and moves quickly between events to keep the reader's interest. I have recommended this book to several friends who loved it. I can't wait to read her next book coming out in the Spring!

Wow! This is one of my favorite books of the year. I love that this is a stand-alone, (most books I read are part of a series so I am always waiting for the next). Eelyn was a strong protagonist for this novel and I love the way the Viking clan world was written. I am very excited to get this one in an upcoming book box!

Sky in the Deep is a unique warrior story rich with characters you won't soon forget. Set in the Viking era, this fantasy-light story explores the relationships between family, enemies, and the complex human emotions surrounding both. Sky in the Deep has a lot to offer fans of all genres!

This book was a slow burn for me in the beginning. The first few chapters were slow for me but got better after words. Kinda wish that wasn't any romance for Eelyn. Would've been happy with a friendship or a mutual understanding with each other. But other wise a really good debut for this author!

I loved everything about this book. The action was perfectly mixed with the familial relationships as well as the romantic ones. If you enjoyed Ivory and Bone and Obsidian and Stars by Julie Eshbaugh, then you will love this book.

Ooookay, where to start?... I was absolutely HOOKED from the first chapter! I mean, Vikings, clan wars, majorly awesome female warrior protagonist, can you get better than that?! And All. The. Feels. Side effect of reading this epicness: I kind of want to learn how to fight with an axe now... Anyways, I LOVE this book! Go read it! (I received an advance copy for honest review)

I absolutely adore this book with all my heart. Eelyn is the perfect YA heroine that I’ve spent a long time searching for. Sky in the Deep is perfect for readers who like a lighter fantasy world with a darker emotional storyline. The romance is also so well-done. It’s one of my new all-time favorites, highly recommend!

Sky in the Deep reads very quick but it is an excellent story. I am surprised that the main character does not fall into more trouble than she does. The author writes such a realistic world that you almost feel the snow on your skin. I hope we once again getting visit this world of myth and lengend but for now I will settle for reading it again.

I enjoyed every minute of this fast paced and wonderfully descriptive story. I had a mental picture of the beauty of Eelyn's surroundings and I loved this young but brutal character living the only life she knew--a life on the battlefield. It kept me turning the pages. The relationships were complex and interesting and I am looking forward to reading the next book!

The book was really entertaining, and had an interesting basis for the story. There were some gaps in the writing/story telling and a few plot points that could have been explored more, but it's nothing that would bring you out of the story. Overall, it was a pretty great first novel for the author.

The characters and world was beautifuly told with detail but wasn't overbearing! The story was one I hadn't read before. The brother that she thought was dead and then her journey to find out why and how to forgive and love and how to have a change of heart and then the message overall that violence isn't always the answer! Uh! I LOVED this book!

I seriously LOVED this book. Adrienne did an amazing job for her debut novel. Eelyn is so appealing as a main character, such an intriguing mix of strong and flawed. I loved her character development and Fiske is simply the best. I'm super excited to read the companion novel when it's finished!

Wow this book! This was one of my best reads this year. I loved everything about this book. The characters, the writing. You can see and feel the hard work and passion that went into this book! I can’t wait for more of her books.

Sharpen your axes and strap on some armor this tail will hurl you into another realm thick with the weight of the fear and triumph of a desperate but necessarily courageous young woman never relenting from the challenges that assail her and those she loves with impunity!

I love Vikings so when I saw this book I knew I had to get it and it is probably the best book I’ve read in at least a year. The characters are interesting, the world is immersive, and the plot line is fantastic. Read this book!

I finished! I feel like I should get an award for this. It isn’t that this book is bad really- it’s just exactly like every other YA fantasy novel out there. Except with less memorable characters and a not so colorful setting.

I’m sorry. I really wanted to love this. Really. I am vikings obsessed. I’ve watched and rewatched every season of Vikings since Vikings first aired. It is the ONLY show that I bother to watch as it airs, tracking premiere dates and gobbling up teaser trailers like candy. I even bought DVDs of The Last Kingdom knowing nothing about it except it was based on Uhtred. I read all ten Saxon Stories in the span of a year. I mean really- it is not hard to sell me on Vikings anything.

But honestly- perhaps that’s where this went wrong. I can’t remember if the blurb specifically says Vikings but the inspiration is pretty obvious. The girl on the cover resembles Lagertha. Those are some mighty shoes to fill. And Eelyn? Eelyn is no Lagertha. Vikings history and culture is rich and complex. It is far, far more than “brutal clan warfare.” Where were the sagas? Where were the poets? The explorers? The conquerers? The Norse pantheon? The Thing? The Viking technology? To me it felt like deciding to write a book “inspired” by Romans and only including the gladiator arenas, Jupiter and Mars. If you’re going to write a book like this- write it right. Pay attention. Reading a single book on Vikings would have fleshed out the culture more than this.

Anyway- you might think the offense I’ve taken at the bare bones structure we’re given here is my only issue. It’s not. There’s a whole lot of telling here and hardly any showing. Eelyn tells us time and again how she’ll “kill them all.” Mostly she just lights their fires and crushes their garlic and helps them fish. I never got a sense of who any of the characters were beyond that they were all warriors, healers and/or leaders.

And then the deus ex machina all over the place. None of the events in this book made sense. They were all too convenient.

**SPOILERS** Why did Fiske’s family go fish him out of the trench but Eelyn and her father just leave Iri there? WHY?! Fiske’s family looked for him for two days and then got him out. Eelyn and Aghi knew exactly where Iri was but apparently they didn’t care enough to retrieve his body. And then they wonder why he switched sides?!! Gee, um I don’t know. Maybe because you left him for dead? Obviously it wasn’t impossible to get him out of the trench. You obviously have some kind of rock climbing harnesses and ropes as evidenced by the usage of it in the last 20% of the novel... yet you just left him there. To rot. That’s great. I wish that was the only example. Aside from the catalyst of the entire novel being too contrived, the resolution of it all is also absurd, but I won’t spoil it here.
**END SPOILERS**

The action scenes weren’t terribly written. By the time the infamous arrow to the shoulder is received they’ve absolutely lost all excitement. The problem with grievously wounding your main character 3 times in the opening 5 chapters is that the reader just basically realizes the MC is clearly invincible and any sense of tension you might get from wondering if she’ll survive is completely lost.

I didn’t get a feel for the setting other then mountain villages versus beach villages. I wish the villages felt like they had more life to them. It seemed like the houses were all fairly close together but then later Eelyn mentions “rows for sowing”. Well what kind of sowing are we talking here? Are there acres of land to be farmed or a small family garden? It was just confusing.

The one thing I give this book credit for was the romance. I’m not sure it wasn’t instalove- but at the bare minimum I wasn’t forced to endure paragraphs upon paragraphs of Eelyn’s commentary on the color of Fiske’s eyes or his warrior heart. This was a relief.

All in all- lots of people like this already, so I know I’m probably being too hard on it. Picking it apart because I wanted something I felt like I was promised and wasn’t given. I recommend to fans of YA fantasy or YA romance. I would not recommend this to people looking for a fantasy Viking story. This is not that.

Thank you to Wednesday books for providing an eARC for review.