Monday, February 11, 2013

Review: Under the Never Sky (Veronica Rossi)

Title: Under the Never Sky
Series: Under the Never Sky, Book 1
Author: Veronica Rossi
Publisher: HarperTeen
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

Find OnGoodreads
Purchase OnAmazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary: 

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.




*          *          *

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.)

1 comment:

  1. 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.

    ReplyDelete