Under the Never Sky

Review Time! 2012 debut author Veronica Rossi was a debutante on Badass Bookie last year and as you know with all my debutantes, I try to read their books! Under the Never Sky was one that was always on the bookshelf but I just never got around to reading it  - till now! Published by Pier 9 initially, it seems that Hachette has taken over Australia rights! You can purchase a copy of Under the Never Sky from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Bookworld. Thanks to Pier 9 for the review copy!

(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.

The Short Story? - My biggest regret is not reading this book until the end of 2012! One of my favourite debuts of the year, Rossi's Under the Never Sky is a fast-paced adventure of self discovery, action, romance and sacrifice. Brilliant characters, Aria and Perry and Roar (!!!) were absolutely fantastic, in this case the characters really do make or break the novel! Beautifully written, I can't wait to read the sequel! Remarkable debut from Rossi!

The Long Story? - I know this is one of those books that everyone either loves or hates and I'm proud to stand with the lovers on the right! I've read through reviews of Under the Never Sky from both lovers and haters and found aspects that I agree and disagree with. Upon starting the book I had a couple of issues with the world-building, the first few chapters were quite confusing as I just couldn't get a grasp on the concept of this world. It was a little bit of a struggle getting into the story because of this but as I read on, the world-builing became more clear and it just went uphill from there! I'm an avid fan of the adventure novels and I'm so glad Under the Never Sky was just some whimsy novel about a rebellion, there is depth in the plot. I'm honestly highly impressed with Rossi's debut, it was the right mixture of action, adventure, romance and a little bit of kick-assing as well! :)

Characterisation is definitely one of the most important aspects of a book, if you can't connect with a character, it's highly unlikely that you'll enjoy reading the book. I'm so glad that I connected with Aria almost immediately. She's a brilliant character, very down to earth and likeable. There is something about Aria that seems almost gentle and I can totally see why Perry is head over heels in love with her! Speaking of Perry - I absolutely LOVE Perry, there is something wild and dangerous about him and I can't get enough! Brilliant character with a complex personality and internal struggle - definitely the best kind of character! I also feel like it goes without saying that I MUST mention Roar. I'm a sucker for charming characters and I feel Roar can charm anything out of anyone! On top of that he's fiercely loyal and a badass too!

I'm MOST impressed with Rossi's Under the Never Sky, if negative reviews are weighing down your opinion on the book - please don't be worried! It's actually SO SO SO brilliant! Love Rossi's prose and the character's voices, love the plot and love the characters in general! Under the Never Sky was an unputdownable debut that differs from any other dystopian novel I've read! I can't wait to read Through the Ever Night! :)

What's it Worth? - Break Out the Piggybank

Badass Bookie xx