Book review: 'Under the Never Sky' falls short of expectations

"UNDER THE NEVER SKY," by Veronica Rossi, HarperCollins, $17.99, 384 pages (f)

Debut author Veronica Rossi succeeds in creating a setting with mystery, opposing worlds and romance. However, “Under the Never Sky” falls flat in characterization for a story that is mildly satisfying but often rocky and disjointed.

Aria has lived her entire life in a pod where her every need and action is regulated. To create a sense of unlimited space, dwellers are given devices called Smarteyes that allow them to explore virtually unlimited realms without danger. Conversely, Peregrine, or Perry, has grown up in the wild outside.

With the tribes being ravaged by Aether storms, Perry desires to challenge his brother for leadership and lead the tribe safely to more calmer skies. When Perry's and Aria’s worlds collide, they work together to discover the truth about those they love and to try to restore things to the way they were before.

The initial chapters of “Under the Never Sky” are confusing and off-putting. Perry and Aria’s first three meetings involve Perry saving Aria from death. Aria is disgusted by Perry’s wild appearance and lack of communication. Much of Aria’s internal dialogue is about her distaste for Perry, and it begins to lose its effectiveness. Especially since midway through the story it seems to vanish with no real tipping point.

Perry and Aria’s conversations through much of the book add no real value to the story and lack excitement. It isn’t until the introduction of a more dynamic character, Roar, that the dialogue and plot really begin to pick up. Through conversations between Aria, Roar and Perry, light is finally shed on the problems facing the trio. At the departure of Roar, the plot settles back into its dull pace.

Avid fans of dystopian fiction may find that this book meets their expectations. However, there are a lot of pages to go through before real action and answers are given, and it may not be enough to bring in reluctant readers. “Under the Never Sky” contains some references to sexual content and may not be suitable for younger readers.

Emily Ellsworth is a blogger at Emily's Reading Room, emilysreadingroom.com, a blog dedicated to promoting a love of young adult fiction.