Title: Under the Never Sky
Series: Under the
Never Sky, Book 1
Author: Veronica
Rossi
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Genre: Young
Adult Dystopian
Content Rating: Older Teen (sensuality, some sexuality, violence, minor gore, feminine issues)
Format Read: Hardcover (library)
Told: Third Person (Aria & Perry), Past Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (sensuality, some sexuality, violence, minor gore, feminine issues)
Format Read: Hardcover (library)
Told: Third Person (Aria & Perry), Past Tense
Summary:
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.
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.
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Writing: Once I got into the story (about 1/4th in) it was a relatively easy read.
Setting: An interesting and possible future for Earth, where some live in virtual pods and mutated others out in the savage wilderness. I was a bit disappointed that we didn't get to explore the pods more - I hope Veronica gives us a tour of Reverie in a later book.
Story: Began rough and hard to get into, but got better as the MCs got used to each other. By the middle I was engrossed, and although it wasn't perfect it was entertaining. The romance felt rather forced, but I enjoyed it none the less. The end was both complete and continual.
Characters: Aria was strong and capable, and quite the trooper - I got her right from the start. Perry was a bit all over the place at the beginning and hard to pin down, but eventually he came together. Mostly. Roar was a nice addition to their travels and story, Marron an interesting uncle figure (although I think he would have been better as a possible badish guy), and Cinder a curious window into the future story.
Eww Factor: There is "menstruating" in this book. And if that isn't bad enough, a macho boy has to explain what it is to a girl. I was just as horribly embarrassed as she was.
Conclusion: While it began awkward, I was glad I stuck with it, and now look forward to Book 2.
This book is for you if you like: Dystopian epic travel adventures and/or coming-of-age kind of stories.
Scribble Rating:
3 of 5 Scribbles
(Previously published on my former review blog, The Black Kitten Reviews.)
I have the first two books but I was kind of waiting until the 3rd book came out to read. But I did read maybe the first 3 chapters. And you have my thoughts mirrored. It's kind of hard to get into but I am glad you said it started to pick up. I notice a lot of people enjoy this series. I was hoping that I would be one of them. Thank you for sharing.
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