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

Article 5

Review Time! For the first time in months - I have a review pile. As in more than one book to review - this means that I'm not behind anymore! *happy dance* Article 5 by Kristen Simmons is a 2012 YA Debut. Kristen was one of my debutantes therefore I feel this creepy maternal love for this book. Thanks to Murdoch Books ( Pier 9) for the review copy! :)

(Goodreads) New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned. 

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back. 

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren't always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it's hard for her to forget that people weren't always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It's hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different. 

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow. 

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings—the only boy Ember has ever loved.

The Short Story? - What a breathtakingly amazing debut! If I had expectations for Article 5 - they were exceeded. One of the best YA dystopian fictions I've ever read ( that's saying ALOT!) - Simmons has written an remarkable and original debut! Filled with adventure, danger, love and sacrifice, Article 5 is dystopian written at it's best. One you don't want to miss out on! Two thumbs up!

The Long Story? -  I'm thanking  Simmons for writing Article 5 so that it's not just "another dystopian fiction". There was excitement, there was danger, there was adventure and there was a PLOT. From cover to cover, Article 5 was an intense and heart-pounding roller coaster ride.  This wasn't just another novel, where everyone just sat around and was dictated until the last 50 pages when suddenly - A REBELLION APPEARS! There was build-up, there was a chase across the country, there was twists and turns and there was romantic side story. Unpredictable, original and well-written. Simmons has a very authentic YA narrative voice, she's mastered the use of sarcasm and snark - two of the three implements of teenage speech ( the last one being swearing). Simmons has truly done a fantastic job with her debut, I LOVED IT and I'm sure many of you would too! Article 5 is definitely one that I would recommend to everyone!

The characterisations was very well done. Simmons has written this book so well that her characters personalities were carried through her dialogue. I connected with Ember from page one and the ability to bring out characterisation through speech SO WELL is hard. I'm amazed by how authentic Simmons' characters are. Ember was a great protagonist. She was in the right mind, she had her priorities straight and she was one hack of a badass. I loved how Ember developed throughout the book, initially she was a little bit of a damsel in distress. She couldn't defend herself, she was scared but as the novel progressed she became more tough and independent. What carried throughout the novel was her courage and bravery, she wasn't willing give in at all. She was scared but she put up a good front. Ember was definitely one of those protagonist that you just can't help but admire. Another character I grew quite attached to was Chase. He wasn't just a pretty face and he clearly cares a lot of Ember even though he is resilient to show it sometimes. Ember and Chase had history prior to the novel but it was the falling back into love that really showed the bond between the two!

In a nutshell, there isn't much else I can say about this novel except it's a must read! Honestly, one of the best dystopian novels I've read - I would be disappointed if anyone read this review and gave it a pass! Simmons' narrative voice is definitely something unique. If you love a badass protagonist, broody bad boys, a not-so-silent rebellion and breaking the law Article 5 is calling your name!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck/ Break Out the Piggybank

Badass Bookie xx