Author: Veronica Rossi (website)
Series: Under the Never Sky #1
Pub Date: 1/3/2012
Pages: 374 (hardcover)
Publisher: Harper Collins
Indie / Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Goodreads
"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."
I absolutely loved this book and I think a big reason was the characters. Veronica Rossi does an amazing job writing from two different perspectives in Under the Never Sky. I never felt lost or confused as to which character it was. They were very individual. It also lets get to know the two main characters more intimately and it was THEIR story. When I attended a recent book signing with her she mentioned that her original intention was four books, each showcasing perspectives of different characters. I know she decided on three books instead but not sure how they will be written.
We have Aria the heroine. She is stubborn but also a little naive. She’s grown up in this protected environment and it’s the only thing she’s known. When she’s thrown out and forced into the Death Shop, even though she thinks she going to die, she’s also fueled by survival instinct. We see her go from this sheltered girl to someone strong and fierce. She makes her own decisions with confidence.
Perry the hero (and my new book boyfriend) is strong and confident. He's a little too confident where it makes him arrogant and immature. He is also a hot head and just as stubborn as Aria. He also has a soft heart which is easy to see with his interactions with his nephew.
What I love most is when the two of them come together. It’s a hate to love relationship which is my favorite kind. I don’t mind instant love but it was nice to see their relationship change and build as they spend time together. We also see the two of them mature and change for the better because of it. It had all the important aspects the….I definitely hate you….wait I might not hate you….oh no I might be the complete opposite of hating you.
There were terrific side characters too. Roar especially, he sometimes steals the show. I loved that you could tell how he is a true friend to Perry and isn’t afraid to point out the obvious. “Fall of your own roof Perry!"
This story is magic and I found myself completely wrapped up in their world. At the book signing Veronica mentioned that she got the idea from her kids excessive video game playing. Our world turning into a society where everything is virtual is believable, my two year old son can easily use a laptop, computer and cell phone. There is great world building, twist and of course a love story. I highly recommend reading it, if you haven't already.