This is the second book in the Sky and Sea duology
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.
The Girl the Sea Gave Back follows Tova and Fiske’s younger brother Halvard. It is set in the same Viking inspired world as Sky in the Deep but isn’t a direct continuation but is set a few years later.
I loved reading about Halvard again when he has grown up and is his own person, a worthy leader of his clan. After Sky in the Deep I was happy to read more about Halvard and see how he grows.
Tova was a really interesting character. Her background of Kyrr, a clan who believe in the power of fate and have marking over their skin which tell their stories. While not being with her own clan, we learn about another clan, the Svell, where she is raised by a man who finds her. With being a Kyrr, she is a truthtongue and can read the future by rune stones. Even though the Svell don’t trust Tova they still use her talents to turn events in their favour.
I really enjoyed the character growth of Tova throughout the story. The change in what she believes as she continues to read the future and see the outcomes. It is seeing these outcomes where she changes her perspective of events and ends up help Halvard.
The relationship between Tova and Halvard was lovely. While it wasn’t obvious that they ended up together, you could gather that they get together. The bonus chapter that was released in the paperback version gives a little bit more story but I definitely want more.
Overall I really enjoyed The Girl the Sea Gave Back. It had an ending that I was happy with and I would love to read more from this world.
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Lara Jane Reviews 