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Tova can’t remember her life before she was claimed by the Svell clan, who found her washed ashore as a child. She only knows what she is. The sacred symbols and staves tattooed over her skin mark her as a Kyrr, and the eye inked on her chest labels her as a Truthtongue — someone who can cast rune stones and see the future. But it’s a fragile future Tova clings to among a people who fear her, and they have never feared her more than they do when she casts the stones that spell the Svells’ destruction.
For the first time in generations, the leaders of the Svell are divided between peace and war. Two clans to the east buried their age-old blood feud and joined as one years ago. The Nadhir, the remnants of the Riki and Aska clans, aren’t as strong as they once were, but if the Svell hope to survive their dire fate, should they battle for peace between the clans? Or should they bring war and wipe out the threat?
Meanwhile, Halvard is among the first generation of Nadhir to know peace. Because of this, he’s been chosen for a position of power among his clan. It’s a responsibly he’s not ready for — that he’ll never be ready for. War, once again, threatens their land, and if it comes for them, the Nadhirs’ chance of survival is nonexistent. If it comes, they’ll fight — of course they’ll fight — and Halvard will be the one duty-bound to lead them to their own deaths.
Tova and Halvard do not realize how tangled are their fates, and the fates of their people, but Tova has already cast the stones. She’s set into motion a series of events she’d do anything to stop, but the future is waiting, and the stones don’t lie.
The Girl the Sea Gave Back is a companion novel that takes place years after Sky in the Deep. I adored Sky in the Deep, and with some familiar places and characters making a reappearance, falling into its pages felt a little like coming home. However, I also feel new readers could easily pick up this book without knowing anything about its predecessor.
Surprisingly, this book was a fast read. The story itself takes place over a couple of days. Not surprisingly, like Sky in the Deep, it conveys heavy themes of family, self-discovery and loss, coupled with prose that is vivid, violent and strangely beautiful.
Rated: Moderate, for violence, war, death, and references to injuries and blood. Two characters share a kiss.
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