Review: Under the Never Sky

Under the Never Sky
Veronica Rossi
Dystopia

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.

Ehhhh. I really liked this book, but didn't think it lived up to all the five star hype. Plot-wise, not overly original. Think Enclave by Ann Aguire, mixed with bits and peices of other futeristic novels. 

Character-wise I was reasonably satisfied. I really loved Aria, judging by her actions in the book, but I would have loved to hear more about her from before- we missed out on what I'm sure would have been awesome character development. ROAR- I HEART YOU. May you find Liv and live happily ever after. And speaking of the above, what with Perry being all in love with Aria, I couldn't see why he wouldn't be supportive of his sister and his best friend. He criticized his older brother for selling Liv's happiness and yet he still insisted on it later on. Wha? Other than that, though, no inconsistincies in Perry's character. 

On the subject of Perry's older brother Vale, I felt that there was a great big well of potential with him in terms of story- his relationship with their father, his son, the tribe, Perry. He was the turning point for a lot of things, a little Valentine, if you will, but instead his existance was minimized. We heard a lot about the impact he had on some of the characters but not enough of his history or anecdotes or what brought it all on.

THE REAL REASON I TOOK OFF A STAR DESPITE GREATLY ENJOYING THE BOOK: 

There were a bunch of aspects that I just didn't buy. So, convieniently Perry and Roar have this super-rich-and-knowledgable-and-hospitable friend who knows about Dweller technology and yet lives on the Outside. He has his own little army and is able to break into the authorities' Realms. HIS place seems somehow untouched by Aether storms. Has enough food to feed a village and yet Perry's tribe is taking drastic measures to avoid starvation. SO WHO IS HE? WHERE DID HE GET HIS STUFF? HOW COME HE HASN'T BEEN FOUND? WHY DIDN'T YOU COME TO HIM BEFORE IF YOU'RE FRIENDS? I expected to get some hint telling us we'll find out about him in the next book, but nada. They were at his place for a good stop to recuperate and train and head off. No explanation or questions asked. I don't suspect him, at all actually, but come on, little hospitable havens don't pop up in the middle of nowhere. And if they do, you better explain it. 

To name 1^^^. Another- hightened senses because of evolved genes makes sense, even smelling emotions (dogs can do it, humans probably could evolve to it) but reading thoughts is not realistic. Won't buy it, sorry. And the whole thing reminded me of Edward and Jasper. 

It was a good book, though. I'll definitely read the second and could see why everyone loves it. NO INSTA LOVE!! YAYY
Rating: 

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Esty