4.5/5 Stars
OND ELDR. BREATHE FIRE.
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.
Click to buy Sky in the Deep
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Author of Sky in the Deep
Adrienne Young is a born and bred Texan turned California girl. She is a foodie with a deep love of history and travel and a shameless addiction to coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her on her yoga mat, scouring antique fairs for old books, sipping wine over long dinners, or disappearing into her favorite art museums. She lives with her documentary filmmaker husband and their four little wildlings beneath the West Coast sun.
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