REVIEW: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

 

Author: Veronica Rossi

Series: Under the Never Sky

Genre: Young Adult / Dystopian – Sci-Fi

Pages: 375

Publisher: Harper Collins

Amazon: Under the Never Sky

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY

The first book in a captivating trilogy, Veronica Rossi’s enthralling debut sweeps you into an unforgettable adventure

REVIEW: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Under the Never Sky is the first book in the Under the Never Sky series by Veronica Rossi and is another of my most anticipated 2012 reads.

Aria is a Dweller and has been raised in the sterile confines of Reverie where she has been protected from the outside world; her days are spent in virtual realms she can access through her smarteye where she can be and do whatever she likes. When a trip to a pod with a few friends goes terribly wrong, she is exiled to the Death Shop – the outside world.

Peregrine is an Outsider or more commonly known as a Savage to the Dwellers, he is a Seer and a Scire (an ability to scent emotions/illness) and belongs to the Tide Tribe where his older brother rules. Perry met Aria when he broke into the pod looking for medicine and saved her life, he needs her help now in rescuing his young nephew Talon who was kidnapped by Dwellers.

What a journey Perry and Aria had to take! They were watchful of one another but also had a mutual trust and understanding and knew they could benefit if they became allies. I liked the progression of their relationship, it started out cautious but their mutual respect and trust became apparent along the way.

There were so many obstacles on their journey, Aether storms (I couldn’t even begin to explain what they are), savages/cannibals and long treks with thoroughly enjoyable yet at times intense dialogue which kept the story entertaining and evenly paced; there was a lot going on and Aria’s curiosity was fascinating.

Under the Never Sky is filled with some captivating and well fleshed out characters, I especially loved Aria, she was terrified of Perry initially but was still determined to return home and prove her innocence as well as locate her missing mother Lumina. Perry was such a fierce, protective and noble character; I especially loved his interactions with Talon which showed his softer side and his determination to save him when his own father had given up. Special mention should also go to Marron, Roar who bought a little humor to the story and sweet yet feisty little Cinder, I am keen to read more about these characters.

The world-building in Under the Never Sky was truly amazing and the characterizations spot-on, the writing held me captivated from the very first to the very last page, I literally couldn’t put this book down. It is also told in alternating POV’s which I thoroughly enjoy, a great way to get insight into both minds.

Under the Never Sky is certainly a strong debut for Ms Rossi, it leaves us with an intriguing ending so I am really eager to get hold of the next book which isn’t due out until 2013 {argh!!}.