Book Shelf: Under the Never Sky (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 her best hope at staying alive.

If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Under The Never Sky is Veronica Rossi’s thrilling debut that mixes a dark, harsh dystopian world with romance and action in an adventure that is pure brilliance!

I’ll be the first to admit that it’s taken me a while to finally read this book. I bought Under The Never Sky close to its initial release but it’s just sat on my shelf unread, before I finally decided to dive into it the other day. And boy, am I sorry I haven’t read it before now. This book was captivating!

It took me a couple of chapters to really become invested in the story and the characters but once I did I was thoroughly intrigued. Switching back and forth between main characters Aria and Perry, Veronica Rossi’s writing was descriptive and perfect; painting a harsh, violent and dangerous world. Rossi blends the advanced people of the Dwellers perfectly with those of the Tribes on the outside that are more primitive people.

The world of Outsiders and the Tribes was so harsh and savage and utterly fascinating to me! There was just something so primal about their world and many of the characters within this book. There was an unmistakable medieval, almost barbaric aura to the Outsider society and the people that inhabit it and I just adored this. It was quite refreshing as far as I’m concerned and it really worked for this story.

The Aether and the Never Sky are very interesting concepts and Rossi describes them well, but at times I struggled to fully understand their workings. They certainly were intriguing elements and I loved the extra enhancements Rossi gave to some of the characters in the form of Senses. It proved a perfect inclusion and made for a lot of excitement.

The characters within this book I adored. Veronica Rossi is created such a beguiling world that she needed to write a really fantastic group of characters to accompany it and she certainly has done so with this book! Aria, Perry, Roar, Cinder, Talon and the various others were perfect editions to the story. Their higharchy was sooooo interesting within the tribes and I found I loved this part of the story most.

As our heroine Aria was a joy to follow. This is the kind of heroine I love; strong, independent and feisty, but with vulnerabilities and flaws but one that grows and changes throughout the novel. Rossi writes Aria with such grace and I adored her growth throughout the novel as she learns about who she is and what has happened to her mother and her world. It was wonderful seeing her find confidence in herself as she navigates Perry’s world.

However as much as I loved Aria, I must say that Perry was by far my favourite character! Here is a male lead so very different from others that litter the YA faction but is utterly captivating as a character. Peregrine is just so primal and savage and there’s something so appealing about that throughout the book. Perry knows how to take care of himself and does what has to be done, and while we learn he does have his insecurities towards the end of the book, Perry is just so addictive. Honestly, I’m not sure I have the words to accurately say what I’m thinking right now.

Another thing I loved about this book......Aria and Perry’s relationship! They’re definitely awesome characters on their own, but together they just shine. They’re just so different individuals, with different lives and histories and seeing them learn to trust and rely on one another as they embark on their journey was just so enjoyable. They were awkward and unsure of each other at times, but they actually understand what the other is going through and it’s this shared experience that bonds them. I admit that the “romance” and spark between them is all too sizzling, but perhaps that just Rossi’s writing, because to me it’s rather a sweet undertone and development to an already amazing bond and friendship.

With a killer ending (literally) one full of revelations and demands, I’m so eager for the next book. Basically, I want more Perry and I cannot wait to see what Veronica Rossi does next!

Rating:
Source: I bought.
Format: Paperback.
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile // The Book Depository
Recommendation: Fans of dystopian and intense, sweet relationships and strong characters will love this one!
Cover: It's so striking--I love how the cover model (Aria) is walking through the never ever.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: YES!