3.5/5 stars
This is a companion novel to ‘Sky in the Deep’ which took place 10 years after with different characters’ point of view.
I listened to this playlist while reading.https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5iF6VG1RnLaIxP0DMOwIan
From Google Books,
For as long as she can remember, Tova has lived among the Svell, the people who found her washed ashore as a child and use her for her gift as a Truthtongue. Her own home and clan are long-faded memories, but the sacred symbols and staves inked over every inch of her skin mark her as one who can cast the rune stones and see into the future. She has found a fragile place among those who fear her, but when two clans to the east bury their age-old blood feud and join together as one, her world is dangerously close to collapse.
For the first time in generations, the leaders of the Svell are divided. Should they maintain peace or go to war with the allied clans to protect their newfound power? And when their chieftain looks to Tova to cast the stones, she sets into motion a series of events that will not only change the landscape of the mainland forever but will give her something she believed she could never have again—a home.
Strengths
- This is a character-driven story, told from the first point of view of two different characters, Tova and Halvard.
- A beautifully written story, words by words held a meaningful impact. The author has her way to describe each event and mesmerised feeling.
- VIKINGS !!! VIKINGS !!! VIKINGS!!!
- Strong theme of fate and what meant to be have its way to find you.
Weakness
- Slow paced (for it is a character- driven plot)
- Lack of world building
- Direct and predictable plot
- Because of the first point of view, it might not be given enough justice to others supporting characters.
After all, I adore the story because I always have a tender spot for character-driven ones and obviously, vikings.
Ae Astra 