This just totally blew me away.
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi (Under the Never Sky, #1)
Genre: YA dystopian
Format: hardcover
Read: 11/24/2012–11/27/2012
Veronica Rossi – Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter
Amazon – Hardcover | Paperback | Kindle
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Book Order
1. Under the Never Sky
2. Through the Ever Night (tomorrow!)
3. Into the Still Blue (2014)
Synopsis
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.
-from Goodreads
Why I Started Reading This Book and Final Verdict
Under the Never Sky was a book that was going around the blogosphere about six months ago (maybe more than that–I forget, exactly). I saw it on my B&N birthday trip and decided to buy it. And it is GOOD that I did because this book ROCKED. And now I want more.
My Thoughts
I’m developing this habit of not reading the synopsis before reading the book. The end result is that I have almost no expectations going into a book, and all I knew going into Under the Never Sky was that it was a dystopian. Having just read Legend, I think I was expecting something along those lines. But Under the Never Sky is so not your typical dystopian. And I am glad that it turned out to be a book that exceeded and pummeled all my expectations. (But it was a loving pummel, like a really good massage.)
The WORLD in Under the Never Sky is like a character itself. There is so (so, so, SO) much more to this world than our limited view in this first book. It’s the kind of world that I want to spend more time in (but in the company of someone like Perry, who will keep me safe) and learn more about. The Aether storms. The Outsiders. Being Marked. Aria’s Reverie. It’s all so… fascinating. I want to gather it all up and then pick it apart and then put it back together and watch all the characters.
And the characters! Though the story switches in POV between Aria and Perry, I think Aria really has the greatest journey. At least, her growth and development resonated with me the most. Perry is steadier, maybe. (Though he also grows and changes, but in different ways.) Aria’s whole world is toppled and turned around and smashed into new, different, and better things. But she survives. And who she becomes is, I think, someone to be reckoned with. And Perry. THINGS HAPPEN in Perry’s world.
To start, I think Under the Never Sky was a bit slow-going. It’s the world. It took time to craft and build and become immersed in it. But once THINGS started to HAPPEN, the pace picked up and it was so very difficult to put down. (I took it with me to date night and managed to sneak in a few pages. Yes, it was that good.) I am SO glad I took a chance on Under the Never Sky, and I am also glad that book 2 is out soon, because I need to know what happens. The potential here for the world (and how it affects Perry, Aria, and their relationship) is IMMENSE.
Sarah (saz101) January 7, 2013 at 5:00 am
A loving pummel? If I didn’t know you better, I’d think that was kinky O__o Dude. DUDE. I’m posting my review of UtNS in… 2 hours? But… I’ve had it written for a week. And now I’m scared you’re going to think I’m copying you. I said somethign VERY similar to this: “The WORLD in Under the Never Sky is like a character itself.” YES. It’s… everything. The aether sky, the deserts, the forest, the tribes. It’s vast and glorious and breathtaking and I felt as though I was there.
And… Oh it makes me so happy you loved this, also, because I’m kind of squeeing not so itnernally at the fact I get to squee externally about it to yooooooou!
I SO agree with you on the slow opener here. I started the book a few months ago, but never got past the first chapter. I started it again and came back… it’s one of those books you give a couple of chapters, and it will give you the WORLD.
Your review. It’s amazing. IT’S DELICOUS. I WANT TO EAT IT WITH HOT SAUCE.
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal January 7, 2013 at 9:39 am
If it helps, Sarah, I also said something similar about how fantastic the world is. THE WORLD IS JUST TOO GOOD NOT TO MENTION! *wallow wallow wallow*
*steals your hot sauce*
Amanda @ On a Book Bender January 7, 2013 at 10:20 am
I wouldn’t think you’re copying; I’d think we’re developing twin brains. Or maybe triplet brains with Kelly? Anything is possible. =P
YES. The slow build up pays off in the end SO VERY MUCH.
Alicia January 7, 2013 at 5:53 am
Under The Never Sky <33 I loved reading Aria and Perry's adventure, and I completely agree that Aria's growth resonated in me, no one should miss this fantastic read! I've just reviewed Under The Never Sky as well so do drop by if you're interested :)
-Alicia
My review of UTNS
Amanda @ On a Book Bender January 7, 2013 at 10:21 am
Glad you enjoyed Under the Never Sky, too! :)
Mary @ BookSwarm January 7, 2013 at 7:10 am
I agree that the world was its own character. Very intriguing and scary (I’d have died on the outside pretty darned quick). And I can’t wait for the next book — hey, you have pretty good timing because it’s coming out this month!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender January 7, 2013 at 10:26 am
I know! When I was scheduling reviews, this one worked out perfectly. I’m definitely getting the next book–I think my mom would be mad if I didn’t. I gave her Under the Never Sky to read after I finished it and she loved it, too. :)
Amy @ bookgoonie January 7, 2013 at 7:50 am
You are so right…their world is almost like another character. I felt the need to learn about Aether. I love how Aria & Perry grow together slowly throughout their journey. I love that their relationship is not clingy—very Katsa-Po-like. Can’t wait to continue.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender January 7, 2013 at 10:27 am
Once you said that Aria and Perry’s relationship is like Katsa and Po’s, I totally began to see that! I think you’re right. I definitely liked it. :)
Rummanah January 7, 2013 at 9:37 am
Good thing the sequel comes out tomorrow. You don’t have to wait very long! Out of all the dystopians I read last year, I liked this one the best. The world is very intriguing and there’s lots left to discover.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender January 7, 2013 at 10:30 am
Yes! Under the Never Sky was such a great dystopian. I can’t wait to get lost in the next book. :)
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal January 7, 2013 at 9:41 am
THIS BOOK!
Honestly, the sequel is one of the few books I committed to pre-ordering. I wanted MOAR!
I’m kinda, sorta, maybe eyeballing the Roar & Liv short story. *eyeballs it*
Amanda @ On a Book Bender January 7, 2013 at 10:34 am
If I didn’t have a gift card to use (which doesn’t work with pre-orders), I would have pre-ordered it, too! It’s just… SO GOOD.
Ha. That does not surprise me at all.
Jenny January 7, 2013 at 10:47 am
WOO HOO!!! So glad you enjoyed this one Amanda! I agree with you completely on the beginning – it was definitely a little slow because I think the world takes a few chapters to really grasp, but once Aria got the boot I could not put this book down. I loved it so so much. And Through the Ever Night comes out tomorrow. YES!!!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender January 7, 2013 at 10:50 am
I am buying Through the Ever Night tomorrow! I must have it! (Also, I let my mom read Under the Never Sky, and she loved it, so I’m basically buying for me AND her.)
Maja (The Nocturnal Library) January 7, 2013 at 12:58 pm
In second book, Perry’s growth is far greater, although the progress on Aria is more easily noticeable. I enjoyed the first book, but LOVED the second one, it blew me away. You’re right, Perry was steadier than Aria in the first one, and I suppose he is in the second too, but she holds her own as well.
Wonderful review and lovely blog. I subscribed. :)
Amanda @ On a Book Bender January 7, 2013 at 3:33 pm
I can’t wait to pick up the second book! I love it when the second book is even better than the first. Always the sign of a good author, I think. :)
Ashley Prince January 8, 2013 at 11:34 am
I love this book! I am so glad you enjoyed it. :) I cannot wait to get the second one. I’m dying!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender January 8, 2013 at 11:40 am
I just bought Through the Ever Night today! I couldn’t wait. :)
Kristilyn (Reading in Winter) January 8, 2013 at 3:00 pm
Well, that’s it. I’m going to have to read this one! Thanks for sharing, Amanda. :)
Amanda @ On a Book Bender January 8, 2013 at 3:14 pm
YAY! Hope you enjoy, Kristilyn! :)
Leanne Yang @ Escaping With Books January 11, 2013 at 5:39 pm
This one sounds awesome! I still haven’t read it yet, but I really want to. Thanks for the review, Amanda! :)
Amanda @ On a Book Bender January 11, 2013 at 7:37 pm
You’re welcome, Leanne! When you read it, I hope you enjoy it. :)