Book Beginnings #78

For Book Beginnings, Rose City Reader invites us to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.

For Friday 56, Freda's Voice asks you to turn to Page 56 in your book or 56% on your e-reader and pick a sentence.

I am currently reading The Girl The Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young.

"Give me the child." 

Turonn's hands reached for the girl cradled in his wife's arms and she looked up, her swollen eyes glistening. 

"They're waiting, Svanhild."

First off, the cover is stunning. I've been staring at it at least once a week since it was revealed because I Have A Problem. As soon as I got my hands on this book I took it to the beach for a photoshoot. I sat and stared at it so much. It's just so visually stunning, dramatic and eye-catching. I love the colours and the drama and the depth and the strength just in the images.

Interesting first lines, and although it doesn't give much away but it's still pretty poignant. I can see what's going to happen next and it's a little bit heart-breaking.

"When I was your age, I watched my friends die in the fighting season." His voice turned sharp, his eyes narrowing, and Halvard relented. The only thing worse than standing chest-deep in the icy fjord was invoking the disapproval of his brother.

This is a direct reference to the events in Sky In The Deep and I love it. You don't have to have read Sky In The Deep to read The Girl The Sea Gave Back, but it will give you a bit more of the history behind clans like the Aska and the Riki and there are lots of familiar faces. That's all covered in this book though, so you won't be missing out.

Honestly I am just so happy to be back in this world. It's rich and vivid and brutal, and there's something about it that gives me goosebumps.

What are you reading this week?