Book Review: Under the Never Sky (ARC)

Under the Never Sky
by Veronica Rossi
Hardcover, US, 400 pages
Expected publication: January 3rd 2012 by HarperCollins
Challenge: Dystopia Reading Challenge
Source: NetGalley

Summary:

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 a barbarian, 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..

Review:

Almost all the books I read in the past month are really good. Adding to that list is Veronica Rossi’s dystopian YA, Under the Never Sky Told from third person POV that alternates between the two main characters, Under the Never Sky tells the story of Aria and Perry; two persons who grew up from two entirely different worlds. Aria was raised at the Pod, a place where nobody gets sick, hungry or even feels pain. Perry was raised at the Outside or “the Death Shop” as Aria puts it, the complete opposite of the Pod where people die of hunger and sickness, and where they strive so hard to survive.

I almost lost faith in dystopian YA’s after trusting so many and getting disappointed. But Under the Never Sky put that faith back. It’s funny because I never intended to read this when I downloaded it from NetGalley. In fact, I only downloaded it because I also downloaded the other two YA’s from Harper that are also on my most anticipated list, but I ended up loving this book way more than the other two anyway.

Even at the beginning of the book, the story is already oozing with suspense. No boring page for this book; the plot is fast-paced, making it a very quick read. I love how Aria and Perry’s relationship began; no insta-love (yay!) but instead the romance built up slowly but surely. The characters are all easy to connect with as well. Roar and Cinder are such lovable characters. Aria annoyed me at first, but she grew up on me just as fast. I like how she asks too many questions and just never shuts up. Perry acts like a grown man, but I like how his maturity compliments Aria’s ignorance.

Under the Never Sky is that type of book with no flaws written on it. Or maybe there are but I was too engrossed reading such epically awesome book to even notice. It’s exciting and mesmerizing, breath-taking and enthralling; an absolute must-read whether you’re a dystopian fan or not.

Rating: 5/5 stars!

Disclosure: This e-ARC was received from the publisher (HarperCollins via NetGalley) for free in exchange for an honest review.