Readers and critics have noted several standout elements of the story:
: Set in a brutal world of rival clans (the Askas and the Riki), the book is praised for its "fast-paced" and "adventurous" tone, though some readers found the first hundred pages slightly repetitive or confusing.
While many love the character-driven focus, some reviewers from The StoryGraph have mentioned that they hoped for a more "plot-driven" experience, noting that the world-building is less expansive compared to longer series like Throne of Glass .
The story follows , a seventeen-year-old warrior of the Aska clan who has spent her life fighting the rival Riki clan. Her world is upended during a battle when she sees her brother—whom she watched die five years earlier—fighting alongside the enemy. Captured by the Riki, Eelyn must survive the winter in their village, eventually discovering that the two clans must unite to face a greater, legendary threat. Critical Reception
The book (originally titled Sky in the Deep ) by Adrienne Young is a YA fantasy novel that has received high praise for its emotional depth and atmospheric setting, often described as having a "Viking vibe". One particularly interesting review highlights that while the plot is straightforward, the writing is "spectacular" and "enchanting," focusing heavily on the emotional journey of the protagonist rather than just the action. Key Review Highlights
