Synopsis
Eye of the gods. Give me sight.
Tova was a child when she was discovered washed ashore in a half-burned boat by the Svell clan. The sacred symbols and staves inked over every inch of her skin mark her not only as a member of the Kyrr, but as a Truthtongue. The Svell believe her cursed, forsaken by her own people. But Tova's ability to cast the rune stones and interpret the web of fate woven by the Spinners makes her valuable. Until the day she forsess the Svell's destruction, compelling them to wage war.
Across the valley, the rival Aska and Riki clans have lived peacefully for more than ten years as a new people- the Nadhir. But when Svell raiders attack, and a village's inhabitants are slaughtered, Halvard believes there may be a way to avoid war. Chosen to be the Nadhir's next chieftain, he convinces his elders to negotiate with the Svell before more blood is spilled. His hope for a truce is shattered when the Nadhir are deceived by their enemy and ambushed without mercy.
But there is more to Tova's prophecy than bloodshed. As long as Halvard lives, his people have a future. And if what Tova sees in the runes is true, her own path is interwoven with his. Now, she must find the courage to free herself from the only family she's ever known in order to fulfill her own fate.
Eye of the gods. Give me sight.
Tova was a child when she was discovered washed ashore in a half-burned boat by the Svell clan. The sacred symbols and staves inked over every inch of her skin mark her not only as a member of the Kyrr, but as a Truthtongue. The Svell believe her cursed, forsaken by her own people. But Tova's ability to cast the rune stones and interpret the web of fate woven by the Spinners makes her valuable. Until the day she forsess the Svell's destruction, compelling them to wage war.
Across the valley, the rival Aska and Riki clans have lived peacefully for more than ten years as a new people- the Nadhir. But when Svell raiders attack, and a village's inhabitants are slaughtered, Halvard believes there may be a way to avoid war. Chosen to be the Nadhir's next chieftain, he convinces his elders to negotiate with the Svell before more blood is spilled. His hope for a truce is shattered when the Nadhir are deceived by their enemy and ambushed without mercy.
But there is more to Tova's prophecy than bloodshed. As long as Halvard lives, his people have a future. And if what Tova sees in the runes is true, her own path is interwoven with his. Now, she must find the courage to free herself from the only family she's ever known in order to fulfill her own fate.
Tova was a child when she was discovered washed ashore in a half-burned boat by the Svell clan. The sacred symbols and staves inked over every inch of her skin mark her not only as a member of the Kyrr, but as a Truthtongue. The Svell believe her cursed, forsaken by her own people. But Tova's ability to cast the rune stones and interpret the web of fate woven by the Spinners makes her valuable. Until the day she forsess the Svell's destruction, compelling them to wage war.
Across the valley, the rival Aska and Riki clans have lived peacefully for more than ten years as a new people- the Nadhir. But when Svell raiders attack, and a village's inhabitants are slaughtered, Halvard believes there may be a way to avoid war. Chosen to be the Nadhir's next chieftain, he convinces his elders to negotiate with the Svell before more blood is spilled. His hope for a truce is shattered when the Nadhir are deceived by their enemy and ambushed without mercy.
But there is more to Tova's prophecy than bloodshed. As long as Halvard lives, his people have a future. And if what Tova sees in the runes is true, her own path is interwoven with his. Now, she must find the courage to free herself from the only family she's ever known in order to fulfill her own fate.
Loved
- Okay can we talk about that cover? Drooling. The material is glossy so it really looks like water on the waves- stunning.
- The Viking world. I loved coming back to this harsh Viking world. The brutality of the Vikings creates such an intense setting and fuels a gripping plot. I loved seeing the Riki and Aska clans united into the Nadhir people, but also discovering new clans with distinct cultures and customs. I also LOVED getting cameo appearances from Eelyn and some of the other characters from her story.
- The mysticism. This story had quite a bit more mysticism than did Sky in the Deep. Tova is a Truthtongue, which means she can cast stones and prophecy their meaning. This new element, along with her mysterious tattoos, new gods, and cryptic runes, was fascinating and added a depth to the Viking world that we didn't see in the first book.
- Halvard. Halvard is Fiske's little brother- about eight years old in the first book and eighteen in this story. He is one of our MCs in this book and I loved seeing him grow from the young boy admiring his brothers going to battle to becoming a loyal and honest leader among his people. His character develops much throughout this book as he learns to lead his people and have the vision to unite with enemies to preserve his people.
- Tova. Tova has a sad past- she was found in a burning boat and was believed to be a curse among her people. She is treated terribly, basically just used for her ability to prophecy. I loved watching her develop courage to leave her clan in search of answers and control of her own fate. She is every bit as strong as Eelyn, but not brutal or harsh. I enjoyed watching her have the courage to discover her mysterious and painful past, and bravely chooses to use her gifts how she feels is right for everyone.
Didn't Love
- Sky in the Deep completely blew me away, The Girl the Sea Gave Back did not. But I'm still glad I read it. The gorgeous lyrical writing of the first book was lacking in this story and the plot felt rushed and a little pieced together. Sometimes I think authors are in a hurry to reach their deadlines, and I this felt like one of those cases.
- This was also lacking the deep, raw emotion and heart from the first book. The character development of Tova and Halvard was good, but not phenomenal like that of Eelyn and Fiske.
Content
- Language:
- No swearing.
- Sexual content:
- One kiss, not much described.
- Violence:
- Okay- again, there is a LOT of harsh violence in this story, because we are dealing with Vikings.
- MANY mentions of dead bodies and violent injuries throughout the whole book- throat slashings, heads and limbs chopped off, axes to the chest and back, arrows to the heart, and lots of stabbing. There are some major battles where we see lots of death and injuries, but we also see it and hear it referred to throughout the whole story. Blood is described.
- Frequent raids where villages are slaughtered through swords, arrows, and being burned in their beds. Tova hears the screams and smells the flesh burning- of men, women, and children.
- A jarring scene where one character is betrayed and stabbed. A battle breaks out and many secondary characters are killed. The deaths are described with noises, blood, and gore.
- Many wounds described as they are stitched. Descriptions of infections and blood loss.
- Mentions of the funeral of a drowned six-year-old girl.
- Main character experiences quite a bit of abuse- being beaten and outcast by her village.
- No swearing.
- One kiss, not much described.
- Okay- again, there is a LOT of harsh violence in this story, because we are dealing with Vikings.
- MANY mentions of dead bodies and violent injuries throughout the whole book- throat slashings, heads and limbs chopped off, axes to the chest and back, arrows to the heart, and lots of stabbing. There are some major battles where we see lots of death and injuries, but we also see it and hear it referred to throughout the whole story. Blood is described.
- Frequent raids where villages are slaughtered through swords, arrows, and being burned in their beds. Tova hears the screams and smells the flesh burning- of men, women, and children.
- A jarring scene where one character is betrayed and stabbed. A battle breaks out and many secondary characters are killed. The deaths are described with noises, blood, and gore.
- Many wounds described as they are stitched. Descriptions of infections and blood loss.
- Mentions of the funeral of a drowned six-year-old girl.
- Main character experiences quite a bit of abuse- being beaten and outcast by her village.
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