Review: Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Read (January 4 - 24, 2012)

Book: Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Publication Date: January 2, 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins

Number of Pages: 400

Genre/s: Young Adult, Dystopia
Source: ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley

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. -  (source)

“She absorbed the terror and beauty of him and his world. Of every moment over the past days. All of it, filling her up like the first breath she'd ever taken. And never had she loved life more.” - taken from an uncorrected ARC 

You know what's the worst thing that could happen to me while reading? Feel disconnected. Everything is so sloooow. It did hold my interest and the writing was good but no wow-factor for me. And there's no denying the fact that it took me 20 days to finished it. Almost 3 weeks! 

Why Under the Never Sky didn't work for me: 

1. It was too quiet and some of the chapters dragged. I like page-turners and attention-grabbers. Under the Never Sky failed to do that.

2. Some of Aria and Peregrine moments just seemed off. Especially on the first few parts although it did  improve on the latter part of the book.

3. Under the Never Sky gave me a reading slump. I read I am Number Four and Shatter Me before I was able to finish it. I just couldn't get into it. I came very close to not finishing this at all.

4. When the big bang came, it sounded more like a squeak. It was almost too late to pick things up and turn everything around.

5. Why does it have to end the way it did? I think Rossi enjoys giving us mixed emotions.

But let's be fair. Under the Never Sky has a great story and will be thoroughly enjoyed, but that someone is not me. I think it's just a matter of preference. So let me share to you what I think you'd like in UtNS.

Why you should read Under the Never Sky:

1. The writing was great. Rossi has a talent with words. The narrations and dialogues are skillfully woven.

2. The world-building was splendidly done. Realms, pods, Tides. Original and interesting.

3. The concept was new. There are two distinct groups of people composed of Dwellers and Outsiders. Dwellers are considered Moles and Outsiders savages. 

4. No insta-love here.

5. The last part was full of twists and surprises and infinitely better than the first half.

6. Roar was made of win and he's awesome. Enough said.

Under the Never Sky has a slow start. Rossi invested a lot with the world-building which I think paid off because it made the book really original and unique. She didn't forget the readers all together as well because she gave a little shocker towards the last few chapters and ended the book on a slight disgruntling note.

All in all, great concept and world-building but like I said, I think this book is not for me. I am NOT persuading you not to read this instead I'm asking you to consider the Why You Should Read UtNS section so you wouldn't miss out and here's hoping you'd enjoy Under the Never Sky.

Cupid's Verdict:

3 Cupids

A copy was provided by the publisher at no cost via Netgalley
in exchange for an honest review.