By Rosie B., Old Mill High School
This fierce, enthralling tale, reminiscent of the Vikings in all their glory, details the unexpected strife Eelyn faces following a confrontation with the brother she thought dead 5 years prior. Faced with hard truths when she is taken from the battlefield to a mountain village of her tribe’s rivals, the Riki, Eelyn must find a way back to her home with the Aska. Eelyn’s fiery stubbornness and passionate heart struggle to conform to her new situation and all loyalties are tested as a threat to both clans arrives, unraveling the tenuous balance and sparking an unforeseen future.
Not unduly complex, this is a heartwarming story of family, faith, and how a difference in perspective can change your understanding of the world. Fast-moving with action and emotional turmoil at every turn, the reader is kept wondering what will happen next. Certain events aren’t entirely realistic, but the bonds detailed and built in this story are beautiful and insightful, providing true substance and heart to the tale. Although the story uses a rather cliché enemies to lovers plotline, it is a well-loved cliché and in this case well developed and quite touching. Any YA reader with an inclination towards historical and fantastical fiction should thoroughly enjoy this quick read.
Click here to check out Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young.