Series: Under the Never Sky, Book 1
Author: Veronica Rossi
Publisher: Harper
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Rated: Older Teen (sensuality, some sexuality, violence, minor gore, feminine issues)
Told: Third Person Past Tense; from the perspective of the two main characters, Aria and Perry.
Summary: 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.
Writing: Once I got into the story (about 1/4th in) it was a relatively easy read.
Setting: An interesting and possible future for Earth, where some live in virtual pods and mutated others out in the savage wilderness. I was a bit disappointed that we didn't get to explore the pods more - I hope Veronica gives us a tour of Reverie in a later book.
Story: Began rough and hard to get into, but got better as the MCs got used to each other. By the middle I was engrossed, and although it wasn't perfect it was entertaining. The romance felt rather forced, but I enjoyed it none the less. The end was both complete and continual.
Characters: Aria was strong and capable, and quite the trooper - I got her right from the start. Perry was a bit all over the place at the beginning and hard to pin down, but eventually he came together. Mostly. Roar was a nice addition to their travels and story, Marron an interesting uncle figure (although I think he would have been better as a possible badish guy), and Cinder a curious window into the future story.
Eww Factor: There is - and this is their term, not mine - "menstruating" in this book. And if that isn't bad enough, a macho boy has to explain what it is to a girl. I was just as horribly embarrassed as she was.
Conclusion: While it began awkward, I was glad I stuck with it, and now look forward to Book 2.
This book is for you if you like: Dystopian epic travel adventures and/or coming-of-age kind of stories.
out of 4 Paws Up
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