December 21, 2011

Under the Never Sky

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Release Date ~ 1/3/12
Publisher ~ HarperTeen
Format ~ Egalley
Source ~ Netgalley
Rating ~ 4/5
Summary: 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.

My review: Under the Never Sky blew me away. In the beginning, at least. For the first 100 pages it was all nonstop action that had me engaged and on the edge of my seat! But then... it slowed down. Drastically, and what do you know, a romance between Aria and the outsider started! Surprise, surprise, it's not like we've ever seen that happen in dystopian novels, oh no! But seriously, I don't mind forbidden romance, but this has just gotten old! 
    The world development in Under the Never Sky was a-maz-ing! This book had one of the best worlds I've ever read, and since I read a ton of dystopian, that's pretty high praise! I loved the concept of the realms, it reminded me sorta like those virtual world game thingies online, but much more sophisticated, and well, awesome. 
    I thought the transformations that happened to Aria and Perry were both really nice, and unlike many book's (transformation) was actually believable! It was really nice to see them change throughout the story.
    I thought Rossi's writing style was missing something, it just was a little choppy and lacked elegance. She had a wonderful plot line, but her writing needs to improve to keep readers entertained and enjoyed! 
  Overall, Under the Never Sky was a very good dystopian debut, did it need a teeny bit more, yes... did it satisfy me? Yes!
4/5
Cover Comments: I love this cover. The model looks so determined!

17 comments:

  1. I love the cover and it sounds like a pretty good read!

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  2. This book sounds awesome! I love dystopian novels, and this one looks diff with the virtual world stuff. Of course, I like it when there's romance ;) So there's a lot of action? I can't wait to read it!

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  3. I was just discussing this book with someone who really enjoyed it. I'm glad to hear it that you enjoyed it, as well. It certainly sounds pretty cool!

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  4. I really love when there's a very strong female in a book. And the cover is beautiful!

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  5. When my best friend said while reading this book: "Omigosh! this book is awesome Clarissa! You should read it" made me realize that this is a good read. Why? because she doesn't use that "Omigosh" thingy when it's not really an "omigosh" read so I'm really looking forward to read this book and I love how you give your insights about the book. Great Review!

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  6. I love the cover too! I can't wait to read this! Glad to know there is a lot of action and a good world development. Sad that is slows down but I do love a forbidden romance.

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  7. I really like the cover on this one...*added to TBR pile* I have to get to reading..so many books..so little time.

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  8. I have to say, you are right, Forbidden Love is kinda old, but it's at least something for the romance part. :D

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  9. I'm glad to hear that this is good. I am definitely going to try to buy this one when it hits the shelves.

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  10. I can't wait to read this book, it sounds so good!
    SarahS @ WondrousReadings *YA

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  11. I wasn't going to read it but your review was great:)

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  12. I loved Under the Never Sky. I agree with you that it definitely started out at a faster pace and then slowed down. Even later in the book when it was a little slower, I wasn't bored. And I know what you mean about the romance between Aria and the outsider seeming repetitive in dystopian novels. And it is, but I think I would have been mad if there wasn't romance between them. :)

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  13. I have been reading more dystopians lately and I am always on the look out for a new one. This one sounds pretty good. Thanks for the review. I'm also really liking the blues on the cover of Under the Never Sky and you're right she does look deteremined.

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  14. I have yet to pick up a dystopian novel and I would so love this to be my first!!! Great review, I cannot wait to get lost in the world the author created, it sounds amazing

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  15. I've been wondering about this one. Sounds pretty good. Thanks for a great review!

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  16. I like this character very much! I like Perry as much as I like Aria. He's not nice to her, but that's not really his way. Being nice is not a survival skill and that's what it takes to live outside. He takes Aria's insults really well when I'm sure he'd like to backhand her. And he has a slow growing admiration for her which is well deserved.

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