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. (Goodreads summary)
Under the Never Sky is a dramatically captivating and unique dystopia. Rossi is an artist, weaving a complex world and a plot that leaves you with many unanswered questions. The wonderfully fulfilling conclusion leaves you hanging on for more.
The first thing that struck me was Rossi’s world-building. The world of Under the Never Sky is incredibly complex with a lot of sci-fi. This would usually leave room for a lot of holes and incongruity, however Rossi’s world is flawless.
To POV shifts between the main characters, Perry and Aria, which is always a risky move and yet Rossi does a beautiful job giving each a distinct voice and a very unique perspective. Their POV’s help to build the world and also leave the reader with a sense of only seeing half the story at a time. This adds a enthralling sense of mystery to the characters and plot.
The plot is very tight and well planned. I finished with a feeling of completeness to the story yet with the yearning for more. The complexity of the world explodes at the end and I wondered if Rossi would leave me hanging with an ending that was entirely unsatisfying but she came through. It was beautifully done and wrapped things up nicely. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not over and things are still messy but it was a conclusion to this first chapter of the trilogy that I could accept.
Now, I’ll warn you, it took a little effort for me to get into because I am not much of a sci-fi gal. However, Rossi won me over and I did enjoy the book immensely. Also, I couldn’t help feeling that the characters kept me at arms length for the first 3/4 of the book. The romance was a little forced when it finally came to a head. I just couldn’t buy the way it finally happened. It needed more…I don’t know…words? More build-up? More hints? But after that the last 1/4 of the book had me aching for the characters and really connecting with them and totally loving the love story.
Overall, Under the Never Sky was a really awesome read, a great set up for the rest of the story and I will look forward to the next in this wonderful new series.
Author: Veronica Rossi Title: Under the Never Sky Series: Under the Never Sky (Book #1) Published: January 3rd 2012 by HarperCollins Format: Hardcover, 384 pages Website: www.veronicarossi.com Source: Borrowed from library My rating: 
Happy Reading!
Great review! I tried to pick this up but I just couldn’t get into it at the time…but I definitely want to try it again, especially after this review! I am interested in the complex world, and also the relationship between the two MC’s. Sounds awesome! 😀
Sierra @ Yearning to Read
I felt exactly the same way, Sierra. I’m glad I finished it but it definitely took me a bit to get into.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about this one, but it’s never been in at my library. Maybe I’ll actually and have to go out and buy it
Enjoy!
I am not a huge Sci-fi girl either, so I was reluctant to pick this one up. But you pursuaded me.
Awesome! Enjoy!
I’m not a huge sci-fi fan, but there are some that really resonate with me. I was hesitant with this one because it’s very sci-fi but when I read an excerpt of Perry’s I really liked it because of his personality. Hope I connect with them more though:)
Perry was what kept me reading. Loved him. Hoping we get more character development in the next one too.
I’m really looking forward to this one because it sounds absolutely amazing. I haven’t read all that many Sci-fi books but this one sounds really interesting and I’d love to give it a try! Great review!
Thanks for sharing your opinion.
Thanks Martina! Hope you enjoy it! =)
Interesting insights about the characters and their romance. I have recently just started appreciating Sci-Fi so I’ll be giving this one a try.
Thanks for the review!
Awesome! Hope you love it! =)
Nooo, why did I read this review? Now I want to read this book even tho it’s something I wouldn’t pick up normally (it’s hard for sci-fi to keep my interest and I don’t like when love seems forced, I’m in it for the love story! XD ). But, I love a good dystopia and excellent writing just makes me so happy no matter then genre. After reading your review I think I’ll check out the the first few pages on Amazon. I like finding books I enjoy outside of my favorite genres.
Oh do give this one a try! Also an even better Sci-fi/sorta dystopian with unforced romance is the Across the Universe series. You might like that one more. =)
This is one of those books that I have on my shelf and never bother to read. I was so excited when this book was about to come out and then later I just put it aside. I’ll have to read it soon, cause it sounds really good. Thanks for review!
Yay! Thanks for commenting! Enjoy!
I loved this book!
Yay, book love!
It took me a little while to get into this one, too at first. But I did read it quickly. I wasn’t overly impressed with it, but I did enjoy it enough to want to read the next one. I also love the titles for this whole trilogy. Great review!
I love the titles too. Just so intriguing! I’m interested to see what happens next for sure. Thanks for commenting!
I really enjoyed Under the Never Sky and definitely looking forward to the second book! I’m a little lost and confused at some parts but I’m positive I’ll find it in the sequel. I was actually overwhelmed and surprised with the world-building at first (complex, I agree) but came to like it in the end. Great review!
Thanks so much!
This book sounds amazing from your review! I wish that I had loads of money sitting around so I could buy all the books I wanted!Thanks Heather!
I totally understand! I requests tons of books from the library and borrow a lot on Kindle so I cut down on costs. =) Hope you can get to this one sometime soon! Thanks for commenting!
Under the Never Sky is one of my favorite reads of the year. Veronica Rossi is an incredibly talented writer. She drew me into Perry and Aria’s world, and once I was there I was hooked. I loved it. Like you said, it is hard to pull off the alternating POV’s. I love it when it is done right, when both POV’s have their own distinct personalities. Rossi kicked butt in that department. From the cover to the pages of the book, this is just amazing.
YAY! Glad you loved it too! Definitely looking forward to the next book! =)
I love that the world building seems convincing and I enjoy multiple POV, I feel like I could connect with characters more. I really enjoy sci-fi, I don’t know why I haven’t read this book yet. ><
Awesome! Hope you can get to it soon!
Great review Heather .The book sounds interesting even though I’m not really into Sci-fi
Thanks! Hope you’ll give it a try and love it! =)