Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Title: Under the Never Sky

Author: Veronica Rossi

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publishing Date: January 3, 2012

Pages/Format: 374, Hardcover
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Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered.

This was worse.

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 accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

Book in One Word: LIKEY!

I went into this book expecting...I don't know what. But I was kind of expecting something amazing because of all the hype and love I've seen for this series as a whole. And while I didn't get that, this wasn't a bad book and I enjoyed it. Under the Never Sky is about a world that's, well, falling apart. I think. (I don't really now how to explain, and I can barely even picture it.) People either live in the protection of Pods and in Realms (Dwellers), or they survive out in the world that's raging under the Aether (Savages). So when two of these people--who are instinctively all hissy about each other--come together, it makes for an interesting story.

Under the Never Sky is told from the dual perspectives (didn't know that going in) of Aria (Dweller) and Perry (Savage). When the two both need something but with each other's help (I'm being vague to avoid spoilers), their storylines cross. While Aria's point of view wasn't unlikable, I feel like this was much more Perry's story than hers. I don't know if that's because of how he was written, if his story was more compelling, or if he's just a more interesting character, but I constantly preferred to read from Perry's perspective.

That said, Aria was still an interesting character. (And correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe she sings opera, which I don't think I've seen a YA character do.) She's had some pretty rough stuff dealt her way, but she handles it relatively well--and is even better off when she has Perry around to help her. And Perry was an excellent character. As I already mentioned, I really liked his POV. While he can definitely be tough and maybe even kind of mean, there's something genuine and very likable about him. (And, yes, swoony.) He also gets brownie points for having a super cool best friend: Roar. (His name is Roar, how cool is that?) Where Perry is more cool and serious, Roar is more warm and friendly (and funny). There are other minor characters that are a bit more major, but I feel like the characters that are really worth mentioning are Aria, Perry, and Roar.

While this book lacked a big wow factor me, there's still a likable quality to it. Really, Under the Never Sky is addicting and a page turner. (And a book I couldn't help constantly looking/peeking ahead on, SORRY.) It did have a few things I was kind of iffy on, but for the most part it went okay. I am bummed that I didn't love it, but it is a good thing that, upon finishing Under the Never Sky, I was compelled to immediately pick up my copy of Through the Ever Night (THANK GOSH I had one) and start reading, even though it was, like, four in the morning.

In the end, though I'm having many troubles putting it into words and writing this review, I did like Under the Never Sky. I may have a hard time picturing all the world building and its elements, but this book had a lot going for it: crazy storms that aren't the storms you're thinking of, broken lands, cannibals, Realms that make me think of Spy Kids 3-D or something, people with hardcore heightened senses, great characters, and so much more. Did I love it? No. But there's potential with this series. We'll just have to see how the sequel Through the Ever Night goes!

Did I like it? Yes!

Did I love it? No, unfortunately.

Would I reread it? You know what, I just might!

Would I purchase it? I already have it!

Who would I recommend it to? Fans of dystopians, worlds that are falling apart (literally), and quick, somewhat addicting reads.