Book Review: Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young

Title: Sky in the Deep
Author: Adrienne Young
Series: Sky in the Deep #1
Published: April 2018
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Pages: 340
From: Barnes and Noble
Rating: 9/10

Have you ever found a book that just truly called to you, spoke to you in such a way that you could not put it down or stop gushing about it? Adrienne Young’s debut novel, Sky in the Deep, was that way for me.

Sky in the Deep, a historical fiction novel about a girl named Eelyn who, on the Viking battlefield, sees her brother whom she thought had died. From there, she goes on a quest and learns a great deal about herself and the world she lives in.

This story takes romance, violence, history and the bonds of friendship and family and weaves them all together in this exciting, fresh and lush way. I love the world building, mostly because Viking history is one of my absolute favorites. Ever since History Channel decided to create the TV show Vikings (Lagertha is my spirit animal), I’ve been obsessed. Now, anything related to weapons, Scandinavian history and the Vikings in general and I’m there. So to find a story based on the history of the Vikings but put in a different point of view was a super interesting and irresistible story for me!

“Breathe fire.”

I love the different characters, and I especially loved the progress Eelyn’s character makes. This kind of progress is relevant in today’s society, mostly because of the themes involved. I also loved how badass Eelyn is! She’s not afraid to wield an axe or sword, and still her heart is open to those she cares about. A person has so many facets to them, I am so happy Young brought those facets out in Eelyn.

“Honor above life.”

So, while I gush on and on about this novel, there was something I didn’t click with. I’ve been stewing on it for awhile, but I think it has to do with the writing style. To each her own, but it just didn’t jive with me quite as well as other books I’ve read. However, that is not to say it wasn’t a well-written story. The pacing is great, the description is there, the dialogue was good, the action is fleshed out. I guess it just wasn’t my cup of tea. But, that won’t stop me from reading this book again, or any book Young brings to us in the future!