Sky in the Deep
#1 of 2 in Sky and Sea Series
on Goodreads (69,440)
What’s inside...
Raised to be a warrior, seventeen-year-old Eelyn fights alongside her Aska clansmen in an ancient rivalry against the Riki clan. Her life is brutal but simple: fight and survive. Until the day she sees the impossible on the battlefield—her brother, fighting with the enemy—the brother she watched die five years ago. Faced with her brother's betrayal, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki, in a village where every neighbor is an enemy, every battle scar possibly one she delivered. But when the Riki village is raided by a ruthless clan thought to be a legend, Eelyn is even more desperate to get back to her beloved family. She is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend, who sees her as a threat. They must do the impossible: unite the clans to fight together, or risk being slaughtered one by one. Driven by a love for her clan and her growing love for Fiske, Eelyn must confront her own definition of loyalty and family while daring to put her faith in the people she’s spent her life hating. Part Wonder Woman, part Vikings—and all heart.
Character compass
Eelyn
Myra
Runa
Halvard
Fiske
Iri
Discussion points
How do the characters in 'Sky in the Deep' demonstrate bravery and what do you think true bravery involves?
Eelyn faces many challenges in the story. How do you think she feels about her family and her enemies? How would you feel in her situation?
The book portrays themes of loyalty and betrayal. Can you think of a time when you had to choose between being loyal or standing up for what you believe is right?
How do the settings in the book contribute to the overall mood of the story? Which setting did you find most interesting and why?
What do you think is the most important message 'Sky in the Deep' tries to convey to its readers? How can you apply this message in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel if they were in the protagonist's shoes, helping them connect emotionally with the characters.
Ask questions that relate the book's themes to the child’s own experiences, prompting them to draw parallels and deepen understanding.
Discuss the historical and cultural aspects of the Viking-inspired world to expand your child’s knowledge and enhance their engagement with the story.
Highlight the moral dilemmas faced by characters to engage your child in critical thinking about right, wrong, and the complexities of moral choices.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of resilience and perseverance in overcoming difficult situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of unity and family bonds
Explanation: The protagonist's journey emphasizes the importance of family and how working together can overcome adversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of supporting and valuing their family members, which strengthens family relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in the story often face large-scale challenges but continue to fight and stand up for what is right.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to be brave when confronted with difficult situations and to stand up for their beliefs.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: As rival clans come into contact, characters learn to understand and empathize with each other despite their differences.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be empathetic towards others and to celebrate diversity, fostering more inclusive communities.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist shows immense resilience in overcoming the harsh realities of their environment and conflicts.
Real-World Application: Instills the value of perseverance in children when facing personal challenges or failures.
Example Lesson: The power of forgiveness
Explanation: Characters learn to forgive past wrongs in order to unite and forge a stronger future together.
Real-World Application: Highlights the importance of forgiveness, helping children to build and maintain strong, positive relationships.