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A review by readwithmesashamarie
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
5.0
You can find this review along with countless others at my blog by clicking here .
Initial Thoughts:
I’ve learned something about myself while doing book reviews. I learned that I have a basic and straight forward approach to picking books. I am an absolute sucker for a gorgeous or intriguing cover. I judge the book solely on how pretty it is before I even know what it’s about. This book definitely drew my attention based on the unique cover and once I read the synopsis, I figured I’d give it a try.
Spoilers!
Where do I begin? I think I should start off by saying I am in love with this book, the characters, the plot, the world, and Veronica Rossi. I thought I’d had it good when I read Pandemonium (by Lauren Oliver), and yes I really really really enjoyed that book, but I just loved this one.
It wasn’t a love at first sight scenario for me or the characters. I initially kept reading only out of mild interest, wanting to see where the story would leave these characters. I was rather fond of the fact that they didn’t like each other right away…okay so they hated each other, and I loved that! I was getting tired of the, girl sees boy, girl falls in love with boy, insert conflict, fast forward to semi happily ever after. Under The Never Sky was not that story (thank goodness!).
I was a little irked in the beginning that I didn’t know too much about what was going on, what the Realms were or how they worked, but that does get sorted out as the story unfolds.
I was unsure if I liked Aria at first (the main female character). It took me a while to warm up to her and I really did begin to root for her more when her situation worsened. Perry (the male lead) I liked instantly. He was great with his nephew Talon, and he was an honest guy. Some might find his attitude and thoughts a bit brazen, but I thoroughly enjoyed his internal and external dialogue. He’s the type of guy who sees it how it is, whether some people take offense to that or not.
This book was written from alternating points of view, switching between Aria and Perry. It wasn’t confusing or jarring and I love getting the male perspective. I think as a girl, I find it so interesting to have a view into what guys are thinking and their motives behind their actions. True, this book was authored by a female, but Perry’s character sounded genuine and, for lack of a better explanation, like a real guy.
Let’s talk about Roar. My favorite character. I was just getting really excited about this book when his character is introduce and he sealed the deal. He’s the comic relief in the midst of despair and he’s a catalyst to Perry and Aria’s budding relationship.
Another aspect of the book I loved was how the outsiders have slight (but totally awesome) genetic mutations. I liked that everything linked up and made sense scientifically. These outsiders live in a treacherous world and over the centuries they’ve adapted to stay alive. I thought this was a cool and necessary element that helps this dystopian, young adult, coming of age, first love story stand out from the others.
As the book continued I fell more and more in love with the characters and knew that I was reading something really special. I didn’t quite agree with the ending (not the literal last pages, more like the last 60 pages) simply because I wouldn’t be able to make the decisions Aria made. I had to set aside my own feelings and continue to enjoy the book for what it was, Aria’s story, not mine.
Conclusion:
I sat down to read this book around 11:30pm. I was really tired and I told myself I would only read for an hour (I was actually forcing myself to read). By the time 4am rolled around I had the book closed in my lap and I was just staring at it. I couldn’t believe the incredible turn the story had taken. The last thing I had expected was to really like this book, but now I found myself absolutely consumed by it. I spent the next hour rereading my favorite parts, looking up quotes, and reading other bloggers reviews of the book.
I began thinking about what my own review would be like and realized, a rating of 5 stars just wouldn’t…couldn’t possibly explain the depth of the love and the experience I had reading this book. Gosh, I sound like such a weird nerd. Instead of the cat lady, I’ll probably grow up to be the book lady. Anyways, I’m so extremely thankful that I found this gem. It was the right place at the right time, especially since I only have to wait 8 days for the second book to be released! Win, WIN, WIN!
Under The Never Sky is a great achievement for Veronica Rossi, especially since this is her debut novel. This book would be an outstanding achievement even if it was her 40th novel. I’m just blown away. There’s so much more I could ramble about but I think this review is long enough.
Initial Thoughts:
I’ve learned something about myself while doing book reviews. I learned that I have a basic and straight forward approach to picking books. I am an absolute sucker for a gorgeous or intriguing cover. I judge the book solely on how pretty it is before I even know what it’s about. This book definitely drew my attention based on the unique cover and once I read the synopsis, I figured I’d give it a try.
Spoilers!
Where do I begin? I think I should start off by saying I am in love with this book, the characters, the plot, the world, and Veronica Rossi. I thought I’d had it good when I read Pandemonium (by Lauren Oliver), and yes I really really really enjoyed that book, but I just loved this one.
It wasn’t a love at first sight scenario for me or the characters. I initially kept reading only out of mild interest, wanting to see where the story would leave these characters. I was rather fond of the fact that they didn’t like each other right away…okay so they hated each other, and I loved that! I was getting tired of the, girl sees boy, girl falls in love with boy, insert conflict, fast forward to semi happily ever after. Under The Never Sky was not that story (thank goodness!).
I was a little irked in the beginning that I didn’t know too much about what was going on, what the Realms were or how they worked, but that does get sorted out as the story unfolds.
I was unsure if I liked Aria at first (the main female character). It took me a while to warm up to her and I really did begin to root for her more when her situation worsened. Perry (the male lead) I liked instantly. He was great with his nephew Talon, and he was an honest guy. Some might find his attitude and thoughts a bit brazen, but I thoroughly enjoyed his internal and external dialogue. He’s the type of guy who sees it how it is, whether some people take offense to that or not.
This book was written from alternating points of view, switching between Aria and Perry. It wasn’t confusing or jarring and I love getting the male perspective. I think as a girl, I find it so interesting to have a view into what guys are thinking and their motives behind their actions. True, this book was authored by a female, but Perry’s character sounded genuine and, for lack of a better explanation, like a real guy.
Let’s talk about Roar. My favorite character. I was just getting really excited about this book when his character is introduce and he sealed the deal. He’s the comic relief in the midst of despair and he’s a catalyst to Perry and Aria’s budding relationship.
Another aspect of the book I loved was how the outsiders have slight (but totally awesome) genetic mutations. I liked that everything linked up and made sense scientifically. These outsiders live in a treacherous world and over the centuries they’ve adapted to stay alive. I thought this was a cool and necessary element that helps this dystopian, young adult, coming of age, first love story stand out from the others.
As the book continued I fell more and more in love with the characters and knew that I was reading something really special. I didn’t quite agree with the ending (not the literal last pages, more like the last 60 pages) simply because I wouldn’t be able to make the decisions Aria made. I had to set aside my own feelings and continue to enjoy the book for what it was, Aria’s story, not mine.
Conclusion:
I sat down to read this book around 11:30pm. I was really tired and I told myself I would only read for an hour (I was actually forcing myself to read). By the time 4am rolled around I had the book closed in my lap and I was just staring at it. I couldn’t believe the incredible turn the story had taken. The last thing I had expected was to really like this book, but now I found myself absolutely consumed by it. I spent the next hour rereading my favorite parts, looking up quotes, and reading other bloggers reviews of the book.
I began thinking about what my own review would be like and realized, a rating of 5 stars just wouldn’t…couldn’t possibly explain the depth of the love and the experience I had reading this book. Gosh, I sound like such a weird nerd. Instead of the cat lady, I’ll probably grow up to be the book lady. Anyways, I’m so extremely thankful that I found this gem. It was the right place at the right time, especially since I only have to wait 8 days for the second book to be released! Win, WIN, WIN!
Under The Never Sky is a great achievement for Veronica Rossi, especially since this is her debut novel. This book would be an outstanding achievement even if it was her 40th novel. I’m just blown away. There’s so much more I could ramble about but I think this review is long enough.