Book Trailer: Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi

Recently I've been posting trailers for books that I've been wanting to read for ages but that haven't quite made it to the top of my to read mountain yet for whatever reason. Today I'm doing something a little different and bringing an old favourite back into the limelight.

I can't quite believe it's been seven years since Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi was first published. It's a series I really enjoyed reading and one that I don't really see mentioned often anymore so I thought I'd give it a quick shout out.

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 . . .

Under the Never Sky series:
(Click on the links below to read my reviews)
Roar and Liv (Novella)
Under the Never Sky
Through the Ever Night
Brooke (Novella)
Into the Still Blue

Visit Veronica Rossi's website for more information.



So have you already read this series? If so what did you think of it? If it's one you haven't started yet has the trailer made you want to add it to your to read pile?

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten 2016 Releases I Meant To Read But Didn't

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week has a different theme & you can find all the details about how to join in HERE.

Today's topic is Top Ten 2016 Releases I Meant To Read But Didn't Get To. There were actually a lot of 2015 books that I was really excited about but never got around to reading but here are the ones I REALLY want to try and get to soon!

Top Ten 2016 Releases I Meant To Read But Didn't Get To:

Young Adult

1. Witch's Pyre - Josephine Angelini 
2. Riders - Veronica Rossi
3. The Raven King - Maggie Stiefvater
4. Arcana Rising - Kresley Cole
5. Torch Against the Night - Sabaa Tahir

Adult:

1. Grave Visions - Kalayna Price
2. Cursed - Sue Tingey
3. A Closed and common orbit - Becky chambers 
4. Alliance - S.K. Dunstall
5. Infernal - Mark de Jager

What books are on your list?

Review: Into the Still Blue - Veronica Rossi

Worlds kept them apart. Destiny brought them together.

Outside the dome of Reverie, Aria and Perry are struggling to keep their people from tearing each other apart. Their situation is desperate and, with the Aether storms worsening, time is running out for them to rescue Cinder from Hess and Sable.

Cinder is both the key to unlock the Still Blue and their only hope for survival, so Aria and Perry assemble an unlikely team to attempt a daring rescue mission. They know that in a dying world, the bond of friendship is what matters most.

In this final book in the Under the Never Sky trilogy, the stakes are raised to the absolute limit and Aria's love story is brought to an unforgettable close.

Under the Never Sky series:
Roar and Liv (Novella)
Under the Never Sky
Through the Ever Night
Brooke (Novella)
Into the Still Blue

Visit Veronica Rossi's website for more information.

Review:
I'm always nervous when it comes to reading the final book in a trilogy, it's very hard not to have high expectations with series you love and so many times I feel like the ending is a let down so I was wary going into this one. Thankfully my worried were unfounded as Veronica Rossi finished Perry and Aria's story on a high note.

I don't want to say too much about what happens in this book but it is much faster paced and more action packed than the previous two. Again we see Perry and Aria separated for large chunks of the story but the time they do spend together more than makes up for it. They are one of my favourite YA couples and I think they make a brilliant team. I also loved spending time with Aria and Roar, they have such a fantastic friendship and I love that bond between them. I think the most special thing about it is that the author never tries to turn it into a love connection, they care for each other but there isn't even a hint of romance. How many boy/girl friendships can you think of in YA stories that are like that? I actually can't name a single one apart from theirs off the top of my head which shows how unique it really is.

The characters are what made me love this series, there are people I love and ones that I hate but so many of them bring out strong emotions in me. I'll warn you now that not everyone survives the story and there are moments when you'll definitely want to have tissues on hand but no matter how dire the circumstances seem I always felt like there was hope. I enjoyed seeing Perry and Aria working together to unite their people against a common enemy and I loved seeing certain people get what they deserved. Sometimes the enemy of your enemy is your friend - until they're back to being your enemy again - and there are some very surprising alliances in this book.

Into the Still Blue is a strong ending to a fantastic series and I'm sure it's one I'll be rereading again in the future. In the meantime anything new written by Veronica Rossi will be jumping straight to the top of my wish list.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle:

Review: Brooke - Veronica Rossi

Set just before the events of Into the Still Blue, the conclusion to Veronica Rossi's Under the Never Sky trilogy, this breathtaking novella is a satisfying stand-alone for new readers as well as an exciting glimpse at favorite characters from the trilogy. Pulsing with romance and danger, Brooke will leave readers desperate for the conclusion to this epic and unforgettable saga.

The only fight she can't win is the one for Perry's heart. Following the stunning climax in Through the Ever Night, the Tides have been forced to seek shelter from the Aether storms in a dismal, secluded cave. But Brooke's memories of the cave go back much further, to when she and Perry used to come here together. That was before Perry fell in love with Aria and before Vale's dealings with the Dwellers altered the course of the Tides forever.

Now, with her sister back from a haunting year in captivity and Aria lying unconscious in the sick bay, Brooke struggles to put the pieces of her life back together. Without Perry, who is she? And what is her role in this frightening new world? As these questions swirl about her, an old threat to the Tides resurfaces, and Brooke is forced to put the lives of her people before her own. But in taking this step outside of herself, Brooke may finally discover what she truly wants.

Under the Never Sky series:
Roar and Liv (Novella)
Under the Never Sky
Through the Ever Night
Brooke (Novella)
Into the Still Blue

Visit Veronica Rossi's website for more information.

Review:
The events in this novella occur between Through the Ever Night and Into the Still Blue but I don't think it's essential to read this story if you don't want to. It does give a little insight into what's happening with Perry and Aria and it does resolve a plot thread with a certain group but it was mainly Brooke moaning and feeling sorry for herself.

I've never particularly been a fan of Brooke's but I didn't dislike her either, she was Perry's ex girlfriend but I never felt there was a chance of her coming between Perry and Aria even though she obviously wanted to. I have to admit I did feel a little sorry for her but it's not like Perry ever lead her on or made promises that he didn't keep. She knew all along that he didn't love her and she pushed him into a relationship that she knew he didn't want but I guess that doesn't make her heartache any less and I expect most of us have been in a similar position to Brooke at some point.

Although I could relate to Brooke's feelings I just didn't find myself enjoying spending time in her head, she is so obsessed with Perry and if I'm honest I found it boring listening to her constant complaining about pretty much everything. Add in the fact that when finally she decides to move on she jumps back and forth between two brothers and I just found myself rolling my eyes at her behaviour. Do all girls in YA have to have a boyfriend to feel good about themselves? Okay Brooke finally makes a good decision at the end but unfortunately it was too little too late for me.

Unlike the previous novella, Roar and Liv, I didn't really think this had much to add to the series and I ended up being disappointed with Brooke's story. It's definitely one I'll be skipping on any future rereads of the series.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: Through the Ever Night - Veronica Rossi

Worlds kept them apart. Destiny brought them together.

Aria has struggled to build a life for herself outside Reverie. It hasn't been easy adjusting to life in the wilderness, but the struggle has been worth it with Perry by her side.

But Perry has other challenges. His people are looking to him for answers. Answers about what happened to his nephew, and what's happening to their world. And they don't trust the privileged Aria, one of the enemy, in her midst.

Soon Perry'll be forced to choose between the tribe that looks to him for leadership and the girl that looks to him for love.

Under the Never Sky series:
Roar and Liv (Novella)
Under the Never Sky
Through the Ever Night
Brooke (Novella)
Into the Still Blue

Visit Veronica Rossi's website for more information.

Review:
After really enjoying Under the Never Sky I was excited to continue reading about Aria and Perry's journey in Through the Ever Night. This story picks up immediately after the last one ended and I was thrilled to see Aria and Perry reunited. Of course, that doesn't mean things are going to be easy for them as a couple. In fact, they're going to have to face a lot of adversity, especially from the rest of Perry's tribe, when he tries to bring Aria home with him.

For me this series is all about the characters, we've seen them both grow up a lot since the beginning and I'm loving the people they have become. Perry has taken full responsibility for his tribe, it's something that sits heavily on his shoulders but he will do whatever is necessary to protect his people. He isn't perfect and makes some pretty major mistakes but you always know his heart is in the right place and it's very difficult to fault him because of that. I love that he isn't afraid to ask for advice from people with more experience than him but that he still trusts his instincts even when it means making difficult decisions. There was a moment towards the middle of the book where he had me worried but I should have trusted Veronica Rossi and I was pleased with the way things worked out in the end.

Aria has also come a long way since the beginning of the series, she is much more confident in her abilities and has come to accept who and what she is. She has worked hard training with both Perry and Roar and is very much a survivor but also someone who is willing to fight for what she believes in. She has Perry's back but she doesn't want to make life more difficult for him and when the rest of the tribe turn against her she makes the hard choice because she knows that Perry won't be able to. As much as I adore Aria and Perry as a couple I also absolutely love the friendship between her and Roar. They have become almost like brother and sister and I love seeing how close they are and how they are always there for each other. It isn't often that we see true boy / girl friendships in YA, especially ones where there isn't even a hint of romance between them and I think that just makes what Aria and Roar have even more special. I love that the author hasn't introduced a love triangle here, that's such an overused trope so it's great to see someone go against the grain.

I don't want to say too much about what happens in this story but there are some surprising twists that you definitely won't see coming. We get to catch up with some of my favourite side characters from the first book (Cinder and Marron in particular) as well as spend time with some new faces. There are shocking and absolutely heartbreaking moments (that I'm still hoping will be resolved in the final book!) as well as some really sweet and emotional scenes. I'm just loving this series and can't wait to see how Veronica Rossi ties everything together in Into the Still Blue.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle:

Review: Roar and Liv - Veronica Rossi

Before Perry and Aria, there was Roar and Liv.

After a childhood spent wandering the borderlands, Roar finally feels like he has a home with the Tides. His best friend Perry is like a brother to him, and Perry's sister, Liv, is the love of his life. But Perry and Liv's unpredictable older brother, Vale, is the Blood Lord of the Tides, and he has never looked kindly on Roar and Liv's union. Normally, Roar couldn't care less about Vale's opinion. But with food running low and conditions worsening every day, Vale's leadership is more vital—and more brutal—than ever. Desperate to protect his tribe, Vale makes a decision that will shatter the life Roar knew and change the fate of the Tides forever.

Under the Never Sky series:
Roar and Liv (Novella)
Under the Never Sky
Through the Ever Night
Brooke (Novella)
Into the Still Blue

Visit Veronica Rossi's website for more information.

Review:
Although Roar and Liv is technically a prequel to Under the Never Sky and can be read by people who aren't familiar with the series I'd actually recommend reading the book first because I think you'll get more out of the novella if you're familiar with the characters. In fact, for the purpose of this review I'm actually going to assume that you have already read Under the Never Sky so be aware that there will be (hopefully minor) spoilers if you haven't.

I loved Roar's character from the minute he was introduced in Under the Never Sky so of course I jumped at the chance to read a story from his point of view, especially because it meant we would finally get the chance to meet the love of his life Liv. We already knew how much he cared about her and how desperate he has been to try and find her after she ran away but it was brilliant to get a glimpse into the beginning of their relationship and see just how great they are together first hand. We also get to see more of Perry's childhood and watch the three friends grow up together which was a really nice addition to the series.

If you've read the first book then there aren't really any surprises in Roar and Liv's story, we already knew how things would pan out for them but I still really enjoyed getting to know Liv's character and filling in the missing details about what happened with her on the journey to the Northern Blood Lord. If you're a fan of the series then this novella is well worth reading and I'm glad I took a chance and bought it.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Kindle:

Review: Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi

New UK Cover

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 . . .

Under the Never Sky series:
Roar and Liv (Novella)
Under the Never Sky
Through the Ever Night
Brooke (Novella)
Into the Still Blue

Visit Veronica Rossi's website for more information.

Review:
Aria has grown up inside one of the Pods built to protect humans from the aether storms that have ravaged the earth. She spends most of her time in virtual reality realms that allow her to go anywhere and do anything but nothing she experiences is real. She has always believed that leaving the safety of the Pod will kill her because of the poisoned atmosphere but when circumstances force her outside she soon realises how wrong that was. Outside is a harsh and dangerous environment though and she will need help to survive, especially if she wants to search for her missing mother.

Perry is the complete opposite of Aria. He has grown up in a village away from the Pods with his family struggling to make ends meet. His tribe have to hunt and gather their own food and barter for other things they need so luxuries are few and far between. Perry is independent, has good friends and enjoys his life though and has an extra special bond with his nephew Talon that was lovely to watch. He hates Aria and everything she stands for, especially when he realises her people are responsible for the disappearance of someone he cares for. He doesn't want to have to watch out for her but she is the only one who might be able to help him find the one he is searching for.

Aria has led a sheltered life so when she finds herself outside of the Pod for the first time I was worried that she would be a weak character who needed looking after. In some ways her inexperience really shows but she is willing to learn and doesn't sit back expecting help, she wants to be able to look after herself and does her best to make that happen. I loved the fact that there isn't an instant romance between her and Perry - it is more like hate at first sight between them! As they work together they gradually learn to trust each other and start to build a friendship that slowly turns into so much more. Because we get to see things from both of their points of view you really get to see how their relationship develops and I loved watching the two of them together. Even before they are friends I loved the banter between them and the way they slowly come to respect each other. Perry is a great main character, he is strong and protective but deep down he is sensitive and sweet with those he cares about. It takes a lot for him to let you into his heart but he will do anything to protect the ones he loves. He is definitely a character you can swoon over!

Under the Never Sky is a great debut from Veronica Rossi and I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel. The story had me hooked from the minute I picked it up and I loved the way the plot unfolded. There are plenty of twists and turns, some great side characters and I obviously loved the romance. I haven't even mentioned the extra sensory abilities that some of the tribe have - I was fascinated by them and can't wait to find out more. I was really pleased that the story doesn't end on a major cliffhanger, yes we are left with questions and I'm eager to get my hands on the sequel but I felt like I'd read a complete story. Too often recently I've been getting to the last page of a book feeling like I've been cheated out of an ending! If you're a fan of YA dystopian stories then this is one of the better ones and I'd definitely recommend giving it a try.

Source: Received from Atom in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Original UK Cover

Paoerback / Kindle: