REVIEW - Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Title: Under the Never Sky 
Author: Veronica Rossi
Series: Under the Never Sky #1
Publisher: Atom
Published: February 7th 2012
Genre: YA Dystopian
Link: Goodreads / Amazon
Source: Bought paperback

Summary:
WORLDS KEPT THEM APART.

DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.

Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim.

Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive.

If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers.

5/5

I'm always a little in awe of writers who write dystopian books. The ability to create this whole new reality fascinates me and I applaud authors who can do it so effortlessly. Veronica Rossi is one of them. The world she has created is so mesmerizing and breathtaking that I found it so hard to leave behind. 

The story follows Aria and Perry, two completely different people from completely opposite ends of society who's lives are entwined and they come to rely on one another to find the answers to their questions and to rescue the people they love. The story is told in 3rd person and switches between both Aria's and Perry's perspectives. I loved that we got the story from both their POV's but I would have loved it more if it was in 1st person. Even though we did get a great feel for both characters feelings and their struggles I think we would have got a better understanding if it was in 1st person. We would have gotten into their minds more. But saying that I still think it was great.

Aria and Perry couldn't be more different. Aria is a Dweller. She lives in the confined society of Reverie, which is  protected in a dome, safe from the harsh realities of the outside world. I was expecting a very shy, weak, whiny and spoiled girl but I was pleasantly surprised. Aria was a very strong-willed character with an inquisitive nature and a strong spirit. I really liked her and liked watching her become tougher as the story progressed. 

Perry I loved. To begin with he comes across as very mean and harsh but we soon see the other gentle and caring side to him. I loved watching the relationship between him and Aria grow and change from enemies, to allies, to friends and finally to something so much more. There was no rotten insta-love. They slowly grew to trust one another and their romance slowly blossomed. I really liked the chemistry between them. Their relationship was very mature. No crazy declarations a love and devotion. They knew that their time together would soon come to an end so they just savored the time they had. 

The story and this world was very interesting. The idea behind the Realms and the Aether storms was fascinating and I can't wait to find out more about them. Although I thought the first 50 pages or so were a bit slow, the pace soon picked up and I was catapulted into this amazing story. It was beautifully written and the world described so brilliantly that it was hard to put down. A completely engrossing story like none other.

So if you are looking for a dystopian novel full of betrayal, sacrifice, and with a breathtaking romance, then this is the book for you. A major must read! Can't wait to continue the adventure in book 2, Through the Ever Night.