4 stars. Not every book transports you. Plenty are entertaining and well-crafted, but when a story has the power to whisk you away from reality, you know it's special.
Sky in the Deep is one of those novels.
Before I get ahead of myself, this book isn't perfect. The writing is a little clunky in places, and the story took some expected turns. Nevertheless, I stayed up until 4 am finishing it. Adrienne Young really captures the atmosphere of the Norse setting. Eelyn's world feels immediate and real - I could touch the cold of the ice, taste the air coming off the fjord, hear the whizz of an arrow and the cries of warriors in battle. I grew invesested in Eelyn and in her relationships with her brother, her people, and her enemies. If you're looking for a captivating and character-driven adventure that explores the themes of enemies and allies, and recognizing people different from you as complex and multifaceted, then I highly recommend giving this debut a try.
Overall, I am kicking myself for not picking up this book sooner! Sky in the Deep is definitely a stand-out read for me, and I'm doubly excited for the author's new release later this year.
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