After the detail and fullness of the journey we go on, we deserve to see more of Eelyn’s happiness at the end. My one complaint about this beautiful book was that the ending was rushed. Young put so much detail into her characters and their world that it deserves the longevity of Eelyn’s misfortunes. The rest of the story is slow to build, just as it should be, because the torment and struggle she endures throughout cannot be rushed. But it isn’t a happy reunion for Eelyn since it is clear that he has betrayed her and her people. Soon enough, we learn how we came to see him in the woods during that battle. The book opens on the battlefield and after only a few pages, the reader is hooked by the “ghost” of Eelyn’s brother appearing. She is the epitome of what women want in a protagonist of a fantasy fiction novel like this one. She was most likely bred to be a very strong and independent woman and that is why her lead character is so strong willed, again, in the best way.Įelyn is everything a little girl should dream to be: strong, independent, loyal and cunning. But then, knowing she’s a Texan at heart, makes it far more understandable in the best way. I feel that most who call themselves a “Cali Girl” tend to lean more towards rainbows and sunny days rather than some intense and pretty explicit action filed with gore and oppression. After reading her bio, I let out a little snicker because she is a Texan turned Cali Girl who just wrote a mildly brutal novel. I have already taken a look at her follow up novel and it appears to be a time piece as well so I think we can see some great period pieces from her in the future. Not only did I not want to put it down, but Young made me feel so much for these characters that I got emotional (around chapters 34/35) and am holding out hope for a sequel. I must say, that as a debut novel from an author, this is one to be extremely proud of. Main Theme: Viking lore, family loyalty and strong, independent women.

Eelyn sky in the deep