Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi (Under the Never Sky #1)

Publisher - Atom
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

Waiting on Wednesday: Under the Never Sky

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week my "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.


As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers abarbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.