5 Stars: Incredible
Series: Under the Never Sky #1
Hardback: 374 Pages
Publication: January 3, 2012 by Harper Teen
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 learn to accept one another to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.
I am impressed with Veronica Rossi. She’s written an amazing, mind-blowing novel, and now I’m under the pressure to write a review that can convey the brilliance of this book. For out of all the new dystopian novels out there, Veronica Rossi’s 2012 debut novel Under the Never Sky, told from the alternating perspectives of Dweller Aria and Outsider/Hunter Perry, stands out from all of them!
Aria is fun, snarky, naïve, and determined. Inside Reverie, she is a normal girl whose last worry before being banished from Reverie was finding her mother. Outside Reverie, her problems add up, but she also learns how to live and that the virtual reality of the Realms cannot replace reality. I love how she refuses to fall behind Perry, despite being new to the outside world, and how she gains his respect and even a part of his heart.
Perry is serious and kind-hearted. He thinks about what is best for his people and resents his brother’s lax reign as Blood Lord of the Tides. I love his special abilities and how they add a unique element to this novel, and his relationship with his nephew Talon is adorable. Talon and Perry’s good friend Roar are my two favorite side characters.
Together, Aria and Perry make of one the sweetest, most unique couples in YA literature. Initially, they bear with each other only because they have something to gain by working together–they don’t trust each other at all. Perry sees Aria as weak and incapable, and Aria sees Perry as a Savage. It is amazing to how the two come to terms with each other and even develop feelings with the overshadowing knowledge that they will part one day.
Dying worlds, well-kept secrets, and Aria and Perry’s tentative alliance as they embark on a a dangerous quest to save loved ones. Veronica Rossi has crafted an exciting debut that will grip readers’ interest from start to end and have them on the lookout for the next installment in the planned trilogy.
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An ARC was provided by the publisher for review purposes
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Portugal says
Veronica Rossi debut novel is a home run. The story line captivated me and the whole dystopian world was interesting and unique. It does not come to a surprise to learn that it is being looked upon to become a movie. the world she created was utterly smart in my eyes. i liked the fact that the girl protagonist (Aria) was first seen to be fragile and weak.
Krazzyme(Young Readers) says
I loved Perry … Aria not so much!
I cannot wait for the sequel!!
You're right they are one of the sweetest couples 🙂
Krazyyme @ Young Readers
Jennifer Messerschmidt says
I've been very excited about this one. I love dystopians. I can't wait to see Perry and Aria as a team and fall in love. I'm looking forward to their quest and if they can save their loved ones.