Publication Date - 7th February 2012
Paperback - 336 pages
Genre - YA/ Dystopian
Source - Received from publisher for review
Rating - 5 out of 5: It was amazing!
Reviewed by - Dani
Book Info - WORLDS KEPT THEM APART. DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.
Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim. Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive. If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers.
My Thoughts - I'm worried in case this review, my first for the lovely Chrissie of Once Upon a Series, might sound a bit demented. Reason being, I ADORED this book - it's one of the best I read this year. First of all, the story: yes, it's pretty formulaic - sheltered girls ends up out in the wide world, where she meets rough-around-the-edges boy. It's Lady and the Tramp, the Walt Disney movie, isn't it? And the setting, Dystopian - a ravaged world threatened by terrible Aether storms that burn everything in their path - we've heard it before, haven't we? Every second YA these days is Dystopian. So, what makes Under The Never Sky so special? Why does is feel so fresh, so new, the formulas reinvented and brought to life?
First of all, the writing. Veronica Rossi writes beautifully, and surprisingly. So many of her turns of phrases made me do a double take...well, a double read! And then I found out that Veronica is actually native of Brazil, which made me wonder if her creative, innovative way of using the language comes from her being bilingual. This inspired me very much, with me being a bilingual writer too.
Second: the characters. I fell in love with Aria, Perry, and later in the book, Roar. The relationship between Aria and Perry grows slowly, naturally, and is born of mutual respect - Perry's silent kindness, Aria's resilience in the face of adversity, which Perry grows to respect. Perry is such a vivid character, and his relationship with nephew Talon is tender and moving. Aria is strong and yet vulnerable, full of wonder as she discovers the real world after a whole life spent in the safety of a virtual life. And Roar...well, I might say I'm a little bit in love with him:).
Summary - SPLENDID. Buy it, and keep it. Many heartfelt thanks to Chrissie for having given me the chance to read it and write this review!
My first YA, Dreams (Sarah Midnight #1) is out 12th of May: http://danielasacerdoti.com/en/danielas-books/
Other reviews of this book:
Feeling Fictional / The Book Pushers / Wondrous Reads
I need to get my hands on this one. I wonder if being bilingual does help writing...hmmm, interesting theory.
ReplyDeleteI just got this out of the library yesterday! Very excited to read it; even more so after your great review!
ReplyDeletethat's a really cool cover, sounds like an awesome book!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved this book. I was lucky enough to borrow it from my blogmate and get to read it and then we got to meet Veronica Rossi at a book signing. I loved listening to her talk about this book because it just made it feel so much more real.
ReplyDeleteNow I own my own signed copy which I'm never ever ever giving away LOL.
Jenny at Books to the Sky
I have no IDEA why I haven't picked this one up already--it sounds AMAZING. FABULOUS review.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Once Upon a Series Dani! Lovely first review here of a book that I have waiting for me to review, but haven't gotten around to yet. Looks like it will be shuffled up the list after your recommendation. :)
ReplyDeleteI often find it harder to review a book I adored because I don't want to gush, but I want to let people know exactly what captivated me about the book. It can be a bit of a juggle.