Author: Adrienne Young
Published: 3rd September 2019
My Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Synopsis:
The new gut-wrenching epic from the New York Times bestselling author of Sky in the Deep.
For as long as she can remember, Tova has lived among the Svell, the people who found her washed ashore as a child and use her for her gift as a Truthtongue. Her own home and clan are long-faded memories, but the sacred symbols and staves inked over every inch of her skin mark her as one who can cast the rune stones and see into the future. She has found a fragile place among those who fear her, but when two clans to the east bury their age-old blood feud and join together as one, her world is dangerously close to collapse.
For the first time in generations, the leaders of the Svell are divided. Should they maintain peace or go to war with the allied clans to protect their newfound power? And when their chieftain looks to Tova to cast the stones, she sets into motion a series of events that will not only change the landscape of the mainland forever but will give her something she believed she could never have again—a home.
For as long as she can remember, Tova has lived among the Svell, the people who found her washed ashore as a child and use her for her gift as a Truthtongue. Her own home and clan are long-faded memories, but the sacred symbols and staves inked over every inch of her skin mark her as one who can cast the rune stones and see into the future. She has found a fragile place among those who fear her, but when two clans to the east bury their age-old blood feud and join together as one, her world is dangerously close to collapse.
For the first time in generations, the leaders of the Svell are divided. Should they maintain peace or go to war with the allied clans to protect their newfound power? And when their chieftain looks to Tova to cast the stones, she sets into motion a series of events that will not only change the landscape of the mainland forever but will give her something she believed she could never have again—a home.
Received a copy in exchange for a fair review thank you to Titan Books
I never actually noticed that this book is a continuation from Sky in the Deep, I loved that book so much that I end up reading my favourite snippets from time to time. I like how this was both from a different perspective yet it didn't stray away from the viking world, instead we got to know two whole other clans; Kyrr and Svell.
Similar to the first book, the plot dictates war between territories and speak of Aska and Rikki ending their feud to become Nãdhir. It details events of SITD 10 years later through the eyes of Halvard and Tova, keeping in line with the previous format the book is told from their point of views whilst also giving some background in to prominent events from the past. This book is very fast paced, the events taking place happen very quickly making you fly by through the chapters. Although, it is a standalone novel from the first book I would recommend reading Sky in the Deep before reading this just to have a better understanding but it is totally optional.
Character development was good, although I would argue that there was more evolvement for Tova than Halvard. I felt as if Tova finally stood up for what she should have been doing all along instead of believing all the lies being told to her. Whereas, with Halvard he lacked self confidence in himself to become chief of Nãdhir even though everyone around him could see he was the perfect candidate for the job. I do have one compliant though, I wanted there to be a romantic link between Halvard and Tova, although there was a hint of it I would have enjoyed it more if it was explored a little more instead of the focus being heavily placed on the ancestry of Tova and the Fate of Svell.
Tova is my favourite character, I loved how her identity was not lost or changed even though she lived with another clan. I would have enjoyed more if her character's depth was explored a bit more since she was always shown to be easily manipulated in Jorrund's lies. Regardless of that minor detail, the more I got to know Tova the more I fell in love with her and I abosolutley adore her name and inking on her body too (well the way I imagine it in my head). It was also nice to see little Halvard all grown up and getting to live the peaceful life Fiske wanted for him ( I am also grateful for Young adding the old characters back in too, it was like a high school reunion).
I adore Young's writing style and I loved reading about the world she created, she had me captivated from the very first page. If Viking is your genre to go, then make sure you give this book a read.
Until we meet again,
Like what you read? Hit the like button and don't forget to share this! ^_^
Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest
Post a Comment