Under the Never Sky: Book Review

Under the Never Sky

Veronica Rossi

HarperCollins
January 3rd 2012
Young Adult | Paranormal | Post-Apocalyptic

Official Blurb -

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.

Aria starts off a bit high maintenance. So glad she drops that and quickly takes her place as a contributing member. More glad to not have to listen to a whiny character. She is very easy to like.

I really enjoyed Peregrine. He is such an interesting character. What would it be like to know so much about other people? To have to live in a world where no one appreciates you or treats you like a person. To see you have feelings and aren't just some animal or means to an end. It was very precious to be able to watch him open up and feel. I only hope he can hold onto it and not become blind when doing what he thinks is right by tradition. I love how he is more than first meets the eye. Not simply some savage that would sooner kill you than worry over your blisters. So much power and responsibility rest upon his shoulders yet he can be kind and sweet. He doesn't at first strike me as a romantic interest. From his looks to his manner he is more likely to repulse.

The world in Under the Never Sky is much like Peregrine. Very dangerous and yet incredibly stunning. So much beauty in such a perilous world.

I was also very pleased with how the Senses worked out in this book. Unlike other books I have read this time it worked. Instead of being annoying or overdone it was just right. When Peregrine opens up to explain just how his sense of smell works it was fascinating. I could feel understanding bloom in those moments. It seems like it might be glorious as well as a great hardship.

I loved the made up language in this book. Words like streaky or even new meanings to old words like rendered. There were a few words I really struggled to assimilate at the beginning. The hardest being Scire. It helped a bit when we were given a pronunciation guide later in the book. Plus it was nice it was repeated plenty so it had time to sink in. Also, I enjoyed that there was nothing immediate or overly lusty to the romantic relationship in this book. There was so much more power in the subtle build of feeling.

I am left wondering if there is a rendering for the other Senses. It only seems fair that the Auds and the Seers have some sort of similar bonding. Why should the Scires be the only ones so fortunate. At the same time I really hope it works out to be a good thing. Something that still allows conscience choice and not a feeling of regret or chains.  

 

The ending was very sweet, almost to the point of feeling more like a dream than possible reality.

I am definitely sold on this series. Count me in for pre-orders for the last two. Strangely I am not really certain where this is headed but I know I want more Aria and Peregrine. Where ever they go adventure will follow. I will cross my fingers for some more sweet moments in their future. I am certainly a solid believer in love over arranged relationships. This was almost a five star. There was just a smidge of something missing. Definitely recommend picking up this book for an interesting journey.

Content:
Language: Mild

Violence: Heavy 
Sexual: Behind the scenes