Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 genies
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Adventure, Romance, Science-Fiction
Published: February 7th, 2012
Publisher: ATOM
Pages: 374
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback

Goodreads Summary:

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

Oh my Garble Gosh!!! This book is so BEAUTIFUL. Goodness, give me that sequel NOW. My rating of it leans more towards 4.5/5 genies, but I am in love with Under the Never Sky!

UPDATE: January 19th, 2013

Cover: 4
Plot: 4
Setting: 5
Characters: 4
Writing: 4
Overall: 4.5/5 genies

My Thoughts

Funny thing about these 4.5 ratings, anyone would think that just because it isn't a perfect 10 (5/5), there must be something wrong with the book.



Wrong!

This book is the business. I like Under the Never Sky so much, mainly because Rossi is a fantastic author, she writes the dystopian world with such precision and creativity. I especially loved the concept of aether storms racking both Perry and Aria's worlds, and that despite the many differences between the two, the aether connects them. Personally, I thought the aether was destructively powerful and absolutely a force to be reckoned with, unlike anything I have ever seen before.

Other innovative ideas I loved were the Pods, Realms, and the divide between Savages and Dwellers. These elements just stood out and helped build the story, especially the conflict between Dwellers and the Savages! You get a real concept of what Aria and Perry stand to lose/gain by being together, and Rossi makes the weight of this decision so tangible that by the end of the novel, you want the two of them to be together more than ever. With expertise, she sets up her story; reaching out to readers and weaving a world that is both dangerous and intoxicating, drawing attention easily into the pages like the Pan Piper might have with mice.

Minor Errors

I will admit, the beginning was a little slow, and by "beginning" I mean the first few chapters (1-3), but things pick up pace soon after and my qualms end there. See how short that was? I didn't really have issues with anything else. The end.

Other Likes

In contrast, I was a fan of a lot of things in this book. I liked the Senses Perry and the others not living in Pods got, they were very cool and almost sci-fi with their ability to hear, hunt, see and move faster than the average human. Perry was so dynamic and he came alive for me in this book, more so than Aria, and probably because she was still finding herself whereas he had a purpose and wanted to lead the Tides. Big aspirations for someone his age, seventeen or nineteen I think!

Most of all, the relationship Aria and Perry share truly is a work in progress. They grow accustomed to each other, so much so that it feels real. There is a lot at stake, finding Talon, leading the Tides and getting to the Still Blue, Rossi makes it so that as soon as you turn the last page, you cannot wait for the next book in order to continue the journey! This read makes for thoughtful reflection, and often times I caught myself thinking...Could this be my world? *Shivers* I hope not! The world of Under the Never Sky is great to read about, but live in?



Nah, homie, that ain't for me.

I just can't wait for the next book, one of my best reads of 2012 hands down. You have to read Under the Never Sky!

Verdict: This was one helluva read, spectacular in the very most parts, and tugging rightly at the heartstrings. This book will warm your heart as it did with mine.