Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

The Girl the Sea Gave Back is the sequel to Adrienne Young’s popular first novel, Sky in the Deep. Both novels are set in the same world but focus on different characters and driving plots.

Because of this, if you haven’t read one but are interested in the other, it isn’t a significant concern. If you haven’t read Sky in the Deep but want to jump right into The Girl the Sea Gave Back, you can do so with little issue. You’ll just miss out on some of the world-building and character references.

The Girl the Sea Gave Back follows Tova, a Truthtongue separated from her clan, living amongst the Svell. The Svell fear and hate her, but not so much as to avoid using her particular talent. You see, Truthtongues can cast and read runes, and that is exactly what the Svell wants her for. That is, right up until everything changed for Tova.

Writing

The Girl the Sea Gave Back is an immersive and gut-wrenching story, and in many ways, is the follow-up fans had been hoping for. It’s connected to the world we already know but also tells its own story.

One thing to be aware of before picking up The Girl the Sea Gave Back; it has a different feel and tone than Sky in the Deep. So fans should alter their expectations accordingly. Doing so will probably increase your enjoyment of the newest novel.

Things to love about this novel could have been done differently. I love that it felt different from the first novel while still being clearly of the same world. I especially love that characters from the first novel made an appearance here.

Meanwhile, the novel did, at times, feel like it lacked some emotional impact, especially regarding the love story being told. The core of the subplot was there, and it had a good foundation. It just needed a few more scenes to flesh it out a bit more, to add to the depth of it.

Development

The Girl the Sea Gave Back started in the thick of things, only to turn back around and take some time to explain what was going on. That’s not bad – it’s a great way to hook readers into the plot. However, it did sometimes leave readers feeling like they were waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Tova’s character was complex, thanks to the situation she had been put in. It was interesting to see her learn and adapt to her surroundings and, overall, try to find a way that would allow her to survive. To a lesser extent, the characters around her grew alongside them. Some more than others, naturally.

It did feel like the world was smaller this time around. Maybe it’s because it was set in a familiar world, but I pined to see more details and more of the other tribes and clans. Perhaps the next novel (if there is one) will do this.

Conclusion

The Girl the Sea Gave Back was an interesting and quick read. Tova made for a perfect main character, partially because she was flawed and human. And, of course, it was great to see this world again. Now, we just have to say goodbye once more. Hopefully, not for long.

I don’t regret taking the time to read the Girl the Sea Gave Back, though I won’t be surprised to hear if this novel gets mixed reviews. It’ll make for a decent follow-up novel or a great standalone, as odd as that may sound. And honestly, I am looking forward to seeing what Adrienne Young comes up with next.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat’s Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy