Review: The Girl the Sea Gave Back

Title: The Girl the Sea Gave Back

Author: Adrienne Young

Release Date: September 3rd, 2019

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Synopsis from Goodreads: 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.

My Review: This was a great read for me. I loved the mythology and historical elements of the story. I struggled with the names I the beginning but after a few chapters they felt more natural so it was easier to read. I enjoyed the different tribes and the struggles that each of the characters faced. The story is told from two POV but it also bounced between past and present of those two characters. I understand why this was a necessity to tell this particular story but I didn’t love that aspect of it. There was also a bit of instalove which I also didn’t love but it still worked within the story. Overall I really enjoyed this story and look forward to future books from this author.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All opinions are my own.*

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