Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Under the Never Sky
Veronica Rossi
Publisher: Harper Collins
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Pages:  400

Rating: 4 stars

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.

I had heard all sorts of hype for Under the Never Sky, but for me, it did not live up to the praises I had heard.  I still found it to be a very good read, and I am curious to see how the story will grow in the sequel.

Under the Never Sky was a very slow read. It picked up a little around page 200, but was still very slow and steady. Not that this was bad, I just was hoping for a little more to happen. That being said, the last 50 pages or so had a lot going on, and it set up a really cool premise for what is to come in book 2. I am very curious to see how the story will develop from here.

I was a bit confused about the world. For a large portion of the book I sat trying to piece together all the elements and come up with a coherent road map, but didn't have much luck. By the end I had been able to piece together a general idea, but I still was very unsure. It was a really cool world, but I didn't completely understand the Aether and the different Markings people could get. I am very curious to see more of this in book 2.

I really loved the mix in genres this one felt to have. There was definitely a huge element of dystopian, but also a lot of sci-fi and almost an element of fantasy. It was a lot of fun to read in that sense, as it wasn't solely one "thing".

I really enjoyed the characters in Under the Never Sky - they were definitely my favorite aspect. I loved Aria and Perry both. Roar was another favorite character of mine. I loved that the story alternated from Aria to Perry's story. It made it a lot more fun. I hope to hear from some of the characters only mentioned in passing or in conversations. Aria and Perry's relationship was one I really liked. It was slow to build and was absolutely adorable.

Under the Never Sky was a promising debut, and I am curious to see how Veronica Rossi grows as a writer in further books. Veronica Rossi has really set the stage in this novel for what will be an awesome book to follow.

Skyship Academy: The Pearl Wars by Nick James

The Pearl Wars (Skyship Academy #1)
Nick James
Publisher: Flux
Release Date: September 8, 2011
Pages: 384
Source: BEA

Rating: 4.5 stars

A devastated Earth’s last hope is found in Pearls: small, mysterious orbs that fall from space, and are capable of supplying enough energy to power entire cities. Battling to control the Pearls are the Skyship dwellers—political dissidents who live in massive ships in the Earth’s stratosphere—and the corrupt Surface government.
 
Jesse Fisher, a Skyship brat, and Cassius Stevenson, a young Surface operative, cross paths when they both venture into forbidden territory in pursuit of Pearls. Their chance encounter triggers an unexpected reaction, endowing each boy with remarkable—and dangerous—abilities that their respective governments would stop at nothing to possess. Enemies thrust together with a common goal, Jesse and Cassius make their way to the ruins of Seattle to uncover the truth about their new powers, the past they didn’t know they shared, and a shocking secret about the Pearls.

I feel I should probably warn you in advance that this is a super long review with lots and lots of love!

Skyship Academy: The Pearl Wars was a book I had heard about briefly before BEA. I picked up a copy, thinking it looked pretty cool. Then I found out James Dashner had blurbed it, so that definitely put it on my radar. What I happened to find was one of those super rare gems of a book that are absolutely brilliant. Oh my golly, this book is absolutely, freaking fantabulous and I loved it so so much.

This book was super well written - one of the best written books I've read in months. Then it was told in alternating chapters between the two main characters for the majority of the book, which was super cool.

The premise of The Pearl Wars was really unique. I loved that it was unlike anything I had ever read, and then still every time I would think something was set in stone it was time for some new cool plot curve. The Pearl Wars kept my attention for the entire book – I literally sat for 3 hours and didn’t put it down until I finished. I didn’t want to.

The one thing I wish I had known was just a little more background about Madame and the government. She knew so much and sent Cassius on this mission, I just constantly wanted to know more and the waiting drove me nuts! I still would love to know more, and I hope that more of those answers are revealed in book 2.

The characters were really quite marvelous. I absolutely loved Avery. I thought she was super spunky and had so much confidence. I wasn’t Jesse’s biggest fan at first, but he was a character that really grew on me as the book went on. That really went for Cassius as well.

This book really didn't have any romance, which was super lovely. I take that back, I guess it did, a little. But it was a super underlying plot element and really didn't like take over the plot. It was so refreshing. There really need to be more books like this.

I cannot wait for the next book – this book was nicely tied up, but now there are so many questions I have and I am so giddy to find out where the story will go. It has been quite awhile since I’ve read a super fabulous science fiction-y read.

The Pearl Wars was a marvelous debut. It was super brilliant and comes with a super snazzy looking cover. With its original premise and fantastic cast of characters, The Pearl Wars will be a book you will not want to miss.