UNDER THE NEVER SKY
Reading level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (January 3, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 006207203X
Source: NCIBA (signed!!!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥.5
Get this if you enjoyed: Blood Red Road, Matched

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.

In her enthralling debut, Veronica Rossi sends readers on an unforgettable adventure set in a world brimming with harshness and beauty.

My Thoughts:

When I picked up UNDER THE NEVER SKY to read, it was upon the recommendation of many. This type enthusiasm always causes me a bit of pause and I enter with more trepidation than normal. That being said I need not have worried, for I was immediately sucked into this novel with the power of a hoover. SERIOUSLY!! and I am very happy to announce that I enjoyed Veronica Rossi's debut novel with much enthusiasm and a bit of awe.

With UNDER THE NEVER SKY we have a new world to explore with a story told from two POV's: Aria a girl from Reverie and Perry a boy from the wilds. Due to their initial meeting that triggers a chain of events and would inevitably force Aria to unite forces with Perry so that that could find those that they love the most. An unlikey and opposing duo that have their predisposed ideas of one another yet, life and death circumstance will turn them into more than just temporary allies. I have to admit that this part of the storyline melts my butter and kept my rapt attention from wavering elsewhere.

Veronica Rossi has created a new and brave world that is brutal and beautiful in equal measure rich with characters that have depth and understandable meaning behind their actions. None are underdeveloped, even those that have small parts because you will remember them all. I will freely admit to adoring PERRY, his quiet demeanor is understood, admired and respected yet he is not without fault and as the story progresses and develops so does he. Our heroine Aria is also a wonder of sorts and as her Reverie blanket of protection withers away her talents and passion for life soar and you cannot help but admire and want her to succeed. Together these two character's produce a bond that you cannot easily dismiss.

With the YA market being saturated with the paranormal genre of which I immensely enjoy it is difficult to find something that is fresh and unforgettable. It is a challenge to find something that will intrigue and excite me. UNDER THE NEVER SKY is that book...truly it is and I am not blowing an Aether storm around to get Perry's attention..even thought that would NOT be a bad idea at all. Let me forewarn you that this book is toted as a Dystopian novel and it is to some extent but It has more of a Sci-Fi edge to it than anything else, and it is way cool. This novel is worth the praise that it is getting and I am more than eager to see what will happen next as this series progresses and this talented author unfurls her talent for the world to see.

CONTEST

CONTEST PRIZE: A Signed copy of UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi
CONTEST RULES: Leave a comment and tell me why you want a copy of this book, it's that simple. Please leave your email for me to contact you.
1) Must be from the US and over 13 years of age.
2) Contest ends January 21st at midnight PST.

GOOD LUCK!!!