Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi (review copy) - 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 her best hope at staying alive. If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers. From Amazon UK
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 just 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 being a little bit of a pain at times. 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!
Thank you to Atom for the review copy.
Published: 7th February 2012
Publisher: Atom
Buy on Amazon US
Veronica Rossi's Website
Other reviews:
Eleusinian Mysteries
Read Me Bookmark Me Love Me
Sounds pretty good despite the "missing" link. Curious change in cover though....both are vibrant but in different ways. May have to check it out for myself. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteNo problem! I think the US cover makes sense, as you can see the Aether falling from the sky. I don't know what the circle is supposed to be on the UK cover, but I love the embrace - though his head seems too smal for his body, and he should have long hair! Lol. I do like that it's a white background. It seems all sub-genres of fantasy tend to have dark covers these days. If you do check it out, I hope you enjoy it! :)
DeleteOh, it's a shame that UTNS was a bit lacking for you! It's one of my all-time favourites! But I'm glad you did enjoy it :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteThank you! There was just something small missing. I did love it, but I wasn't blown away. I still really liked it! :)
DeleteRoooooooooooooooaaaarrrr! Hehe. I loved Roar. I am SO demanding a spin-off, I'm happy to read lots more books with him as the central character! But oh, did I love Perry too and the relationship with Aria <3 All the character were amazing, I can't wait to see where Veronica takes them next.
ReplyDeleteShame it didn't blow you away like anticipated, but wee! Still glad you loved it :D Hopefully the sequel can maybe provide that missing 'something' for you. Anyway, I LOVE YOUR REVIEW!
Brodie - So blogger is being annoying and won't let me reply directly to your comment. Pfft. Roar is awesome! He is just the coolest! A spin-off with him would be awesome! :D But yes, Perry and Aria's relationship was just so sweet, I loved it!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it was still really awesome! It wasn't a huge thing that was missing, but it was missing the "OMG, I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NOW!" element that I'm feeling with Divergent. Really looking forward to the sequel! :D Thanks, sweetie!