Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

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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.

This was another one of those books that I saw a lot of hype about and just had to see what all of the fuss was about. 

I had mixed feelings about the characters. At the beginning, I had trouble connecting with both Aria and Peregrine (Perry). I didn't find either one of them very likable, and therefore had trouble caring what happened to either one of them. Keep in mind, this was at the beginning of the book. Aria annoyed me a couple times with her actions, especially the scene where Perry goes to hunt for food and tells her to stay put. For her own safety, for someone who isn't used to being outside a protective bubble, she should have listened to him. However, she did what a lot of heroines do and completely ignored his excellent advice, choosing instead to wander off by herself in the dark. Brilliant plan. I'm not going to give away much more of the story, but when Perry comes to save her, she has the gall to be mad at him, even after he explains himself. I was frustrated with her at that point, to say the least. Just when I was about to give up on these characters, they started to take on new dimensions. Perry started to open up a bit more; Aria became more confident with her surroundings and more interested in learning how to take care of herself; and we're introduced to Perry's extremely enthusiastic, likable friend Roar. I was really impressed with how Aria turned out in the end; she certainly changed a lot throughout the course of the story and I found myself rooting for her. I always appreciate it when I can see the main characters evolve and not stay static.

Another thing I appreciate? That this is not another YA novel focusing on a love triangle. I'll admit, I've read my fair share and loved quite a few of them, but I'm just getting burnt out on that whole scenario. It was refreshing to see two people who were at such odds in the beginning find love with each other, without centering around "Which guy will she choose?". Like I said, so refreshing. 

I wouldn't say it had the most original plot, but it was still enjoyable. I enjoyed the darker tone it took in regards to the tribe of cannibals that ended up stalking them.


Although we got off to a rocky start, the characters ended up being one of the things I loved about this novel. The ending came to a nice close, but it was obvious that there will be sequels. The second book in the series is called Through The Ever Night. The bad news? It isn't expected to be published until 2013. Based on what I've seen so far though, I'm sure it will be worth the wait!

If you would like to learn more about the author, Veronica Rossi, please visit her webpage and Twitter.