ARC Book Review: Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young

Title: Sky in the Deep

Author: Adrienne Young

Expected Publication: April 24th by Wednesday Books

Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

About the Book

Sky in the Deep follows the story of Eelyn as she finds out her brother’s betrayal at joining the enemy clan. Captured and held as hostage for the winter, she must reconcile the hatred she’s always been taught to feel towards the Riki with the obvious truth laid out before her: the Riki and her people are very much the same. Facing the threat of a bigger enemy bent on terminating their way of living, both clans must put their differences aside and unite fighting.

My Thoughts

Adrienne Young’s debut is simply stunning. I can’t believe this is the first book she’s published! Her writing and storytelling is flawless. The Nordic theme and scenic undertones make for an interesting and unique setting for such a riveting story.

I thought this book was going to be about two forbidden lovers trying to find a way to be together but it’s not. It’s about family love and loyalty, betrayal and forgiveness. It’s an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish.

My heart broke so much for Eelyn; her pain was palpable through the page. Her character development is one of the best I’ve seen in a while. Young managed to realistically transform Eelyn in just 400 pages. She goes from an angry, narrow-minded, heartbroken girl to a strong, understanding and accepting woman.

The other characters in the novel were really great too. I connected with them because they were all so passionate and real, each of them offering something crucial to the story and Eelyn’s development. The book is very character driven but ALSO very plot driven which is something I crave in fantasy books.

As with all great books, this one does have romance in it, but the sweet, slow-burning kind. Fiske and Eelyn’s connection was not obvious from the start. Instead, the reader can see the mutual respect and admiration gradually grow between them.

The first half of the book I found to be slow but it did not bother me at all because I found it to be necessary. Eelyn needed a period of adjustment and BOY was it emotional. But emotional is not all this book is. It’s packed with action. Young sure knows how to write a fighting scene that keeps you on your toes. They’re savage, gory and utterly entertaining.