Under The Never Sky: Number 1 in series (Under the Never Sky, #1)

by Veronica Rossi

WORLDS KEPT THEM APART. DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER. Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim. Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be the only person who can keep her alive. And if they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers.

• ISBN10: 0349001480
• ISBN13: 9780349001487
• Publish Date: 8 January 2013 (first published 3 January 2012)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
• Imprint: ATOM
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[ladygrey]

I may not be entirely fair to this book, because I read it while traveling and read other books in between which I never do. But, at the same time, I think it says something about this book that I was able to set it down and get into another story because I wasn't sucked into this one.

And it's not a bad book. Though it is kind of what I say about a lot of YA books: really interesting world, decent characters, eh writing. It's the very definition of a three star book.

I liked the Aether storms and the idea of these people with Aether in their blood. I wanted more of that.
Aria was annoying for about 2/3 of the book, for authenticity's sake. I get it, this is a girl who's lived in a very sheltered world and doesn't understand a lot of things. But even though she's lost and afraid she doesn't have to be so relentlessly mean. There's a line, I think, between authenticity and likability and you shouldn't sacrifice one for the other.

But it's always easy to think well of books when they end better than they started. Perry was a good enough character and being a Scire made him interesting, but Roar definitely breathed some necessary life into the story.

Mostly, I think my biggest complaint is that the story didn't feel like it had much purpose. There's movement and sort of things happening but it's all very slow and doesn't seem like it's ever going to really resolve the main conflict of this book because there's only 75 pages left (it does, but just barely). And while I applaud books that take the time to delve into their characters and really let you get to know them, that doesn't negate the need for things to happen, for some sort of narrative propulsion in the midst of character building. Walking through the forest (or running) and talking (or a lot of not talking, but some sensing) isn't really enough to be interesting.

Which is why, even half way through this book, I was able to put it down without blinking and read [b:Finnikin of the Rock|4932435|Finnikin of the Rock (Lumatere Chronicles #1)|Melina Marchetta|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1227961623s/4932435.jpg|4998084]. Which isn't a fair comparison because Finnikin is brilliant. But it's still the truth.

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Aria lives in the pods, she lives her daily life in the realms which everyone can access through their smart eye. In the realms she can explore any world or time she wants, learn any skill or sport she wants. She meets her friends in the realms to hang out, she meets her mother in the realms even though her mother is literally thousands of miles away in another pod. She can still talk to her mother in her mind. She's barely ever in the real.

But when the link to her mother is disconnected and doesn't go back up again she gets extremely concerned and decides to take matters in to her own hands. She has to find out if her mothers okay. This decision puts her in a lot more trouble than she realises was possible.

Peregrine lives in the Outside. He is a hunter for their tribe, a rare Scire that has the sight and is a seer, he is also the younger brother of the Bloodlord of their tribe. There's nothing more that Perry wants than to be the Bloodlord, he wants to move the tribe to another land, he knows they're not safe where they are any longer with the Aether. The Aether storms get worse and worse every winter and he's sure that this winter their tribe might not make it out of the storms. There is hardly any game left in their area any more. Of course his brother sees it differently.

Aria was at times whiny and selfish but only in her memories of her mother. When it came to the present she was very likeable although I didn't find her or her actions to be too memorable. Still I liked her and enjoyed reading her point of view. I really liked that she changed through out this book, she had grown and developed at the end of the book from who she was at the beginning. That was really important I find. I really wish I could hear her sing! From the reactions of every character in the book she sounds amazing at it.

Peregrine was so interesting. At first when we're introduced to his point of view, I thought he was in his twenties. The way he thought and acted seemed older than the age he really was. I think that's probably because of the way he has to live and his past. I liked reading his point of view because it was so different to Aria's and, I feel guilty saying this but, I thought he was the more interesting character. I loved hearing about his special abilities and they way he thought of Aria. I loved even more how he changed through this book.

This world is so believable and amazing that I am actually surprised. I did not expect that when I picked up this book. Don't you just love pleasant surprises? The Aether sounds so weird and interesting yet to be honest I'm not exactly sure what it is or even what it completely looks like. The descriptions of the aether aren't very descriptive of it's physical appearance, it's more they way it moves and how it's acting up at that moment. So I find myself interested in it, I really want to know how it became and why!

Still this world was believable and I was able to picture it, even without the complete Aether.

I was in love with the writing style. It was the style that reminded me of books like The Baker's Boy trilogy by J. V. Jones, it had an epic adventure feel to it, it felt polished and wonderful to read. It flowed well, I was drawn in to each characters' thoughts and worlds and I believed everything that was happening. It was easy and comfortable to read as well as interesting and exciting!

The beginning of this book was exciting and mysterious, I wanted to know more about the world Aria lived in, more about the technology, more about Aria herself. Then we met Peregrine and I wanted to know more about him and his world, more about their abilities and way of life. I found myself very intrigued with everything. I got rather excited as I read on and that's very rare for me.

The first three quarter's of the book was fast paced, exciting, and very interesting. I loved the adventure side that made it feel like an epic fantasy of David Eddings proportions, then I loved that there was the side that felt like a YA Dystopian with romance stirred in to the pot. This story was made up of the best parts of adventure, fantasy and dystopian with an underlying romance slowly building its way through. I felt thrilled when reading it.

The only thing that I didn't like, the reason I brought this book down to four clubs (It would have been a unanimous five if it hadn't been because of the following), which is a terrible shame, is the ending. The last quarter of the story. Everything about that quarter screams rushed or only written because it had to be. It felt like Rossi wasn't having any fun with it, like she just wanted to get it over and done with so she could move on to the next book or something. The ending felt rushed, boring, not written even half as well as the first three quarters and I lost interest fast. Getting bored at the ending of a book is very weird and has never happened to me before. I don't know what happened. I really don't understand what happened at all. I kept wondering where the adventure and excitement went. It just felt like a forced ending.

It also got confusing because it felt like the story suddenly had legs of it own and didn't need readers to really know what was happening. Things weren't outright stated, they were only hinted at as if we already knew, as if we were in on the secret already. It got a little confusing because it felt like we should have known something already as it sounded like we did yet it was never stated in the book as a fact. I found myself going "It sounds like this person has this but I can't be sure because it hasn't said that they do yet, even though they're acting like they know as well." I was waiting to be told but it never came. It felt like the character had discovered it away from the book, away from the readers' eyes.

Other than that very disappointing point which was the only reason I could not give this book a rating of five, I loved it and can not wait for the second one, Through the Ever Night! Seriously. This book is one of my favourites that I will now recommend to everyone to try!

I would definitely recommend this book to read and own. I had fun reading it and could barely put it down. It's a book that I now want to own on my own shelves!

Miss J
x

[Jo]

Originally reviewed on my YA blog Once Upon a Bookcase.

After hearing all the hype over Under the Never Sky, I decided it was about time I gave it a go. Surely something that is being raved about left, right and center has got to be amazing! As it turns out, I really enjoyed it!

Yes, I really enjoyed it, but I wasn't blown away by it. There was something missing for me to make it a wow-some book. What this missing thing is, I don't know, it just wasn't there. But as I said, I did really enjoy it!

What I loved about this book is, once Aria is no longer in Reverie, it feels very much like a high fantasy! If you take out the futuristic techy side of life in the Pods, and the items that can crop up from way back that we will recognise, it feels completely made up, and I loved it! Especially as, as he story goes on, a few other people are picked up along the way to join the quest - see, doesn't "quest" make it sound all high fantasy-esque (though that word is never used in the book). I loooved it! It was almost like coming home, as high fantasy is the genre that made me a reader.

But it is a dystopia. Life is not how it used to be, and I can't exactly tell you why, because I'm not sure myself. I don't know if I missed something vital along the way or if it's simply not explained. All I know is something called Unity happened, there is now something similar to the Northern Light in the sky that's called Aether, except Aether can rain down and set things on fire, and certain people are now physically incapable of living outside the domes. But why this all is, I don't know. And as with most dystopias, we do find out a few things that turn out people are being lied to; the way they live that seems so safe and right is actually not right at all.

I loved all the characters in this book. Aria and Perry's reaction to each other when they first meet seems very right and believable. They hate each other, even fear each other. There is no insta-love here. The romance is a very slow burner, but one that works because it's so believable. They were jut so cute! I loved it! Perry is super awesome, but I think I prefer Roar, Perry's best friend. Yes, his name is Roar. And he is smooth, and flirty, and just damn cool! He is so funny, I cracked many a smile when he was around. Then there's Cinder, a 12-year-old boy who is just so intriguing! I want to adopt him. Yes, I do. Despite him bein a little bit of a pain at time. I think the boy is in need of love and cuddles.

Overall, a really great story! I am so looking forward to the sequel and seeing where Aria and Perry's story takes them next!

[bookishzelda]

I absolutely loved this book and I think a big reason was the characters. Veronica Rossi does an amazing job writing from two different perspectives in Under the Never Sky. I never felt lost or confused as to which character it was. They were very individual. It also lets get to know the two main characters more intimately and it was THEIR story. When I attended a recent book signing with her she mentioned that her original intention was four books, each showcasing perspectives of different characters. I know she decided on three books instead but not sure how they will be written.
We have Aria the heroine. She is stubborn but also a little naive. She’s grown up in this protected environment and it’s the only thing she’s known. When she’s thrown out and forced into the Death Shop, even though she thinks she going to die, she’s also fueled by survival instinct. We see her go from this sheltered girl to someone strong and fierce. She makes her own decisions with confidence.
Perry the hero (and my new book boyfriend) is strong and confident. He's a little too confident where it makes him arrogant and immature. He is also a hot head and just as stubborn as Aria. He also has a soft heart which is easy to see with his interactions with his nephew.
What I love most is when the two of them come together. It’s a hate to love relationship which is my favorite kind. I don’t mind instant love but it was nice to see their relationship change and build as they spend time together. We also see the two of them mature and change for the better because of it. It had all the important aspects the….I definitely hate you….wait I might not hate you….oh no I might be the complete opposite of hating you.
There were terrific side characters too. Roar especially, he sometimes steals the show. I loved that you could tell how he is a true friend to Perry and isn’t afraid to point out the obvious. “Fall of your own roof Perry!"
This story is magic and I found myself completely wrapped up in their world. At the book signing Veronica mentioned that she got the idea from her kids excessive video game playing. Our world turning into a society where everything is virtual is believable, my two year old son can easily use a laptop, computer and cell phone. There is great world building, twist and of course a love story. I highly recommend reading it, if you haven't already.

[Kelsenator]

Originally posted on my blog Kelsey's Cluttered Bookshelf

Aria lives in Reverie, sheltered and safe in Pods, living their lives perfectly and free of disease. They use a Smarteye, a little suction that covers their eye, to escape the world, create fake realities that they can browse through in their daily lives. They can crest any type of world, imitating touch and sound. One day her and some kids decide to explore a broken and off-limits Pod, she only goes to see if she can get some information on her mother who she hasn’t heard from in a week. Things go wrong, a fire breaks loose, the other kids go wild, Aria gets attacked, and an Outside, or “Savage” as they call them, gets in.

Perry, or Peregrin, is part of a tribe on the Outside called the Tides. His brother is the Blood Lord, or the ruler there, and his nephew Talon is the one who he cares for the most.

Aria gets kicked out of Reverie, blamed for what happened in that Pod, and the proof that’s in her Smarteye is missing. Outside, she has to find a way to survive, or she will definitely die. The sky is clouded with the Aether, which at any moment, if it storms, can scorch the land and reduce anything to ash.

After Talon gets kidnapped, Perry runs off to try and save him, thus running into Aria again. He takes her along, after saving her from an Aether storm that could have killed them. They make a deal, after she finds out that Perry has her Smarteye, broken but in one piece. They will go somewhere to get it fixed, she will try to contact her mother, and try to get back Talon for Perry.

Their journey is tough, and the constant action throughout was just an awesome read. The characters of Aria and Perry changed as the book went, Aria changing from a weak and fragile girl to someone who can defend herself on her own. Perry also changes and learns to open up a little bit. I loved Roar, Perry’s friend. He was just so funny and cool! I didn’t go into the certain abilities that the Outsiders can have in this review, but will leave that for you to read about! Let’s just say that my fave is the Aud.

I recommend this book for anyone liking a sci-fi, action, romance, dystopian mix. I really enjoyed it!

[KitsuneBae]

For more information, please visit my blog for the Under the Never Sky review:


The first quarter of 2012 saw me reading Under the Never Sky, a debut post-apocalyptic novel written by by Veronica Rossi, a new author for Y/A novels. I first saw the book in our local bookstore and was not interested in buying it since I have other book priorities to purchase during that day. A week later, when boredom got the best of me, I returned to the bookstore and picked up the book to read the summary. It was interesting but again, my OCness in selecting books kicked up so toning down my impulsiveness, I went home. The next day, while at work, I immediately logged in into my Goodreads account and search for Under the Never Sky.


The reviews were actually good so later that afternoon, I hurried to the nearest bookstore and bought the book. After my arrival at home, I started reading it and well, it was worth the money that I've spent.

The very first pages alone are already very interesting. The characters are very well made and somehow they tug at your heart. Aria, the heroine, was some sort of a spoiled prima donna individual having been born and raised in a world that is almost perfect. While Peregrine/Perry, the hero, is a savage (as the book calls him) but I'd rather call him the typical hero, a survivor of everything. He was kind of arrogant, impulsive, the overall image of a bad boy but after reading the whole book, I've decided that being a toughie was just a front. Perry is one of the most gentle heroes in my line up of male characters.

Plot

The plot was definitely awesome. The whole story happened in a world where Aether storms are destroying the lands and most importantly, the humanity itself. Since every attack of Aether storms are very deadly, one group of individuals called "Dwellers" was able to build housing pods. These pods are built under mountains/mounds or undergrounds. According to the book, these dwellings are sterile environment and most of the dwellers have altered genes and will not be able to survive the harsh environment outside. This is where Aria belonged.

Meanwhile, another group called Savages was left to fend for themselves on the outside. They form tribes to better cope up with very harsh aetheric climate. Their lifespan is short and their way of living reminds me of our tribes here in the Philippines. The hero, Perry, is a Savage/Outsider.

Although it is almost possible for individuals of two different worlds to meet, destiny made it happen. Due to unfortunate circumstances, Perry and Aria met. And although there was a lot of discrimination/racism/hostility between the two of them, at the end of the day, they still made a truce to help one another. Perry was sure that Aria is the answer to look for kidnapped nephew while Aria was exiled from her enclosed home and needed Perry to survive during the outside while looking for her mother.


Character Development

Under the Never Sky has very good character development. IMO, during the first pages, I hated Aria but as the story progresses, I've learned to admire how brave she is, how she transformed from a sort of self centered b*tch to a mature no-nonsense survivor. She learned to trust her own instincts and at the same time, learning to understand the dynamics of her and Perry's world.

On the other hand, Perry was the perfect man for damsels-in-distresses. During their Aria's first journey together, he had always been angry with her. But despite that, he remained a gentleman. I especially loved how he, with his super macho image, made a pair of book cover shoes for Aria so she wouldn't suffer so much with the walking journey that they will have. Aside from that, it was so heartmelting how Perry loved his nephew so much. It is just somehow unbelievable that a man like him could bestow that almost selfless love for someone who is not his child.

The other characters of books were also adorable especially Roar and Vale. Roar is Perry's bestfriend. He's funny, handsome and great friend to lean on to. While Vale, Perry's older brother and antagonist was just so hateful. I mean, how was he able to sleep at night while he did all of those awful things?


Character Interactions and Dialogue

There's only one thing that I can say, Veronica is a poet. She weaves beautiful words that I think anyone would fall inlove and relate at some point. Interactions between characters were meaningful but not lengthy, heartstriking but never corny. Even Roar's jokes were really funny. While you're reading the book, you will not have an idea that Veronica is just putting up a certain scene so she can make the book thicker.

This is one of the reasons why I really love Under the Never Sky.


Point of Views

Point of view used was first person but it was alternating between the views of Perry and Aria. I usually prefer the third person point of view but this is one of those books that I would prefer to be in the first person format. It makes the book more appealing and provides more insights to the thoughts of the two characters that's why you will love them more.


Overall impression

I'm giving this book 5 stars for greatly satisfying me. Although it's a fictional book, it still reminds me that whatever happens, no matter how bad are the things that life is throwing at you, always maintain a good heart and never give up. ;D

Next on my review list: Through the Ever Night (Under the Never Sky part 2)

[Angie]

I received a free digital copy through Net Galley.

While living in a Pod and being allowed to go anywhere, do anything you'd like, and not get hurt or sick through virtual reality may seem ideal, it can really make a person go crazy. We see this in the opening chapters of Under the Never Sky where the son of the head of security breaks into an off limits area, starts a fire, and attacks the main character, Aria. Of course she gets rescued (or else there'd be no story), by an Outsider who just happened to have broken into the Pod at the same time. It's no surprise that Aria gets the blame, because why would the head of security punish his own psychotic son?!

Her punishment? Banishment from Reverie. She's dropped off on the outside, where she's sure she'll be met with sudden death. Aether storms have become a dominant part of the climate. They're some type of electrical storm which cause fires and mutations, bringing new diseases and death. Aria gets stuck out in one of these storms, but is, again, rescued by Perry. They end up becoming a team on their way back to Reverie. During the beginning of their journey Aria drove me nuts! She's been extremely sheltered and absolutely would not listen to what Perry told her to do even though their out in his world. "And she was a Mole who lived in fake worlds. What did she know about surviving out here?" He'd tell her something and she'd just argue with him and act like she knew more, when she knows nothing about life outside of Reverie. Perry even had to explain to her that she wasn't dying, she just started her period!

While I did feel bad that Aria was suddenly thrust into the "real" world, which she was taught was a savage place that would kill her in no time, I felt like her struggles were more to contrast life inside with life outside, rather than to further any type of character development. The characters actually felt like they were of second importance to the plot. We don't really learn anything about them that doesn't directly effect their quest. Perry wants to get his nephew back, great, so what? Aria wants to see her mom, but I have no clue how she actually feels about her mom. From the flashbacks we get, it seems like Aria and her mom don't really get along, like she almost resents her, and yet getting back to her is her ultimate goal. I just couldn't get invested in their lives, since I didn't know enough about them.

There is a slight supernatural component to this story which I thought was well done without being too fantasy-like. Some of the people left on the outside have heightened senses which allow them to read people and nature much better than normal. Since the storms destroy crops and kill animals, there's also a subpopulation of cannibals, which I found interesting. As a whole, I think the world building overshadowed any character development that was going on. I didn't care about the characters enough to care if they achieved what they're set out to do or not, but I was very impressed with the futuristic way of life within the pods. It seems like something that could happen in real life if technology keeps advancing as the natural world deteriorates. But things in Under the Never Sky aren't so bad that life is impossible. In fact, there's thriving tribes on the outside. So why weren't those inside attempting to expand, or at least help those outside? This was one thing that was overlooked which I'd have liked to learn more about. Maybe in the second book?

I really enjoyed this because the world Rossi created was unique and fascinating, even if I can't say the same for the characters. I did start liking them more towards end, which I take as a good sign for the next book.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.