Monday, October 29, 2012

Book Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Book: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Genre: YA Dystopian
Rating: ★★★★★
For: Fun

From: Kindle ebook purchase

This is one of those books that I've heard tons about and noticed that lots of people of loved it, but I never really knew why or what it's about. When I saw it on Amazon for cheap, I bought it for the Kindle, started reading it pretty much instantly and couldn't stop. It took over all my other reading, even though that wasn't in the plan at all.  I loved it.

This is an interesting take on a dystopian society where two different groups of people have evolved in two totally different ways. You have the group that believes the sun and outside air are contaminated and therefore they've created safe bubbles (and underground even I think) to live in. Theirs is a very high tech society, one where they live their lives in a virtual reality most of the time. (Wow, I've been reading about this a lot lately. I'm thinking this is truly the direction of our future.) They've gotten rid of (supposedly) all bad things and life is just easy peasy.

The other group has adapted to life on the outside, and has in fact regressed technology-wise to the very far past. They live nomadic, tribal, basic survival lives.

This is the story of what happens when a girl from the inside gets kicked out and crosses paths with a boy from the outside. In this book, much of the story happens within the society living on the outside. We learn their customs, their special talents, their way of surviving. As far as the society on the inside, we don't know much. My guess is future books (of course, you know there's more!) will deal more with their story.

Anyway, so I found it all fascinating. I loved the leading dude... he was so different from your normal YA love interest guy. He had so many flaws and problems and he was just not your perfect guy. And yet... and yet.... he was all the cool stuff too. I don't know. I just thought he was great and a blast to get to know. And the relationship that forms was fun to be a part of too, not the normal there either. It took awhile. It was more the slow burn thing we talk about sometimes. With that being said, let me also add that I think this book has one of the most romantic kisses ever! Whoa, that's saying a lot!

And the society and the world created here was so interesting to me. I guess it had elements of many other dystopian stories, but still felt different and unique, if that makes any sense at all. Anyway, all I know is that I was immediately sucked in and couldn't stop thinking about it when I had to work or do whatever else needed doing.

Bottom line: It was a blast to read! I loved it.

Other Reviews:

It was unique, well-crafted, smart and complex. From One Librarian's Book Reviews

...it has it all: adventure, bravery, love, danger, tension, tenderness, betrayal, and loyalty. From Rhapsody in Books Weblog

Under the Never Sky is the ultimate combination of elements in previously successful dystopian novels, twisted in such a way to make each element fresh and exciting. From That's What She Read

The side characters are also compelling. They each play a part, but seem to belong to this story. They don't just conveniently appear when needed -- they are part of the world. From Annett's Book Spot

Sexy hand holding you guys, Sexy. Hand. Holding. From The Allure of Books

5 comments:

  1. I really liked this one, too. You're right, the leading guy (can't remember his name) was different and interesting. Loved him, loved her, loved it all, can't wait for the sequel!

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  2. Yay! I'm happy you liked it. The setting really is unique, and the characters too. I want the sequel already! :) It took me a bit to get into the story, but I think it was because I wanted the characters to cross paths right away. Once they did I couldn't put it down

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    1. Kathy: I really look forward to this sequel too.

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  3. I have decided I need to "re-read" this one and not just listen to it. I know I really liked it, but I am having a hard time remembering it. Apparently my audio retention isn't that great. But I did love the Aria and Perry romance and that he was definitely a Dude! Nothing pansy-ish about him! Dishy!

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