Series Recap: Under The Never Sky trilogy by Veronica Rossi

Reading Order (sort by release date):

Under The Never Sky (Book 1, Published on January 3, 2012)
Roar and Liv (Book 0.5, Published on October 30, 2012)
Through The Ever Night (Book 2, Published on January 8, 2013)
Brooke (Book 2.5, Published on November 26, 2013)
Into The Still Blue (Book 3, Published on January 28, 2013)

Click the titles to check out my reviews.

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Synopsis recap:

Under The Never Sky is an unforgettable trilogy written by Veronica Rossi. The trilogy starts with Aria being cast out of Reverie, a Pod where Dwellers live and has to depend on Perry, an Outsider and a race she's taught to despise, to survive. She has to search for her mother and the Still Blue, a place rumored to be safe from the threat of Aether storms. Only then does she uncover a bunch of secrets that leaves her belief shaken forever.

In Through The Ever Night, Aria and Perry are together -- but for how long? The tribe doesn't accept her as one of their own. Aria has her own issues to deal with as well. As Aria travels to the Horns with Roar, she discovers the sinister plans of the Pod's... minister? (I can't remember his position) which can put everyone she loves in danger.

In Into The Still Blue, Aria and Perry's love has been tested. Their loyalty and leadership has also been tested as well. Now it's time to fight for their survival. They have to defeat a notorious enemy and get through their worst nightmares in order to have a safe future in the Still Blue. But can they do it, when nothing is certain... under the never sky?

Roar and Liv is set before the events in Under The Never Sky, which sets the stage for Through The Ever Night. It centers Roar and Liv's relationship and their love for each other. Except... it wasn't that meant-to-be because food supply is running low in the Tides and sacrifices has to be made to safe the majority. But can Roar do it when doing so can cost what you love most?

Brooke is set between Through The Ever Night and Into The Still Blue. It's about the self-discovery of Brooke, a girl you will meet/have met in Through The Ever Night. Brooke is confused about what she wants. But a series of events not only strengthens her, it might be the only chance for her to realize what she truly wants.

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Thoughts recap:

Three words to describe the series: Epic, dynamic, unstoppable

Overall, Under The Never Sky is a great start of the trilogy. It might be a little bit slow at first, but if you read carefully, you can sense a storm brewing beneath the sort-of calmness. The characters are well-developed, a trait rarely seen in new series nowadays. The plot is pretty good and epic. Although there are a few flaws, It has the potential to be a really great set-up for the following books. And it does.

Through The Ever Night is a great twist in the trilogy. Unlike other sequels, it's not boring or filled with love-triangle angst. No, Through The Ever Night is a pre-storm of Into The Still Blue and a storm itself. It's unpredictable and will leave you breathless. Emotions are a lot intense in Through The Ever Night. Threats are higher than in Under The Never Sky and more obstacles are in Aria and Perry's way, which of course only makes the book way more interesting. Through The Ever Night is a sequel that will not disappoint.

And now the grand finale, Into The Still Blue. Dynamic and heart-stopping, Into The Still Blue is an ending none can ever forget. Set in a world where their safety is at stake, Aria and Perry have to race their enemies in order to make a future with their friends together in the Still Blue. The fact that nothing is certain in Into The Still Blue is what makes the finale earth-shattering. Digging deep into our dear characters' hearts can totally grip yours. Emotions you get from the book is unlike those in the previous two books. It's a glorious sprint that can stay in our hearts for a long time, if not ever.

Roar and Liv and Brooke are the two novellas centering three secondary characters who make quite a contribution to the trilogy. Although they're not a must to read, I highly recommend them to those who love Under The Never Sky trilogy. It helps us understand the stakes in the trilogy much better. They may not be as epic as the three main novels, but they're not something you want to miss just because they're not the main ones. Exceptionally likable and beautiful, these are the novellas most will like.


Overall Rating: 9/10
Do I recommend the series?: Hell yeah!

Brooke: Review

Synopsis:

Set just before the events of Into the Still Blue, the conclusion to Veronica Rossi's "masterpiece" Under the Never Sky trilogy (Examiner.com), 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.

***

Brooke is quite stunning. More than Roar and Liv, and Roar is my favorite character in the trilogy. Although Brooke is not my favorite character in the trilogy, she has an outstanding personality and a strong will that she has a potential to be a really great character and can be really likable (although not for me). It's kind of sad that she's only a secondary character. I think I might actually have fun reading about Brooke.

Brooke is set between Through The Ever Night and Into The Still Blue. Brooke is furious, losing her love to a person that most of the tribe despises. She needs to take care of the Dwellers, which is totally not her favorite job. And she needs to help take care of threats coming from every direction. But as she tries to get over Perry while doing her job, she discovers what she truly wants.

Although this novella is not necessarily important to the plot development of the trilogy, Brooke is a must read. As I've said before, Brooke is a strong character. Many will find her likable even with her bitterness towards... well, everything at that moment. The setting is great too. It sets the perfect stage for Brooke to discover what her heart truly wants and to grow up. Too bad this is just a novella. If this is actually a real honest-to-goodness book, I might actually enjoy reading it.

This is a novella you should dive for if you like Under The Never Sky trilogy.

Rating: 8.5/10

TBR #6: November 2013

Ooh, my birth month :)

1. Sentinel (Covenant #5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Synopsis:

It's a beautiful day for a war.

As the mortal world slowly slips into chaos of the godly kind, Alexandria Andros must overcome a stunning defeat that has left her shaken and in doubt of their ability to end this war once and for all.

And with all the obstacles between Alex and her happily-ever-after with the swoonworthy Aiden St. Delphi, they must now trust a deadly foe as they travel deep into the Underworld to release one of the most dangerous gods of all time.

In the stunning, action-packed climax to the bestselling Covenant series, Alex must face a terrible choice: the destruction of everything and everyone she holds dear… or the end of herself.

Expected Publication: November 2, 2013

2. Champion (Legend #3) by Marie Lu

Synopsis:

The explosive finale to Marie Lu’s New York Times bestselling LEGEND trilogy—perfect for fans of THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT!

He is a Legend.
She is a Prodigy.
Who will be Champion?

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps Elect while Day has been assigned a high level military position. But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them once again. Just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything he has. With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion.

Expected Publication: November 5, 2013

3. After Eden (After Eden #1) by Helen Douglas

Synopsis:

The day Eden met Ryan changed her world forever. Actually, not just herworld. Ryan has time traveled from the future to save the world. In a few weeks, Eden’s best friend Connor will discover a new planet—one where human life is possible. The discovery will make him famous. It will also ruin the world as we know it. When Ryan asks Eden for help, she must choose between saving the world and saving her best friend’s greatest achievement. And a crush on Ryan complicates things more than she could have imagined. Because Connor is due to make the discovery after the girl he loves breaks his heart. That girl is Eden.

Grounded in a realistic teen world with fascinating sci-fi elements, After Eden is a heart-pounding love triangle that’s perfect for dystopian fans looking for something new to devour.

Expected Publication: November 5, 2013

4. World After (Penryn & the End of Days #2) by Susan Ee

Synopsis:

In this sequel to the bestselling fantasy thriller, Angelfall, the survivors of the angel apocalypse begin to scrape back together what's left of the modern world.

When a group of people capture Penryn's sister Paige, thinking she's a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. Paige disappears. Humans are terrified. Mom is heartbroken.

Penryn drives through the streets of San Francisco looking for Paige. Why are the streets so empty? Where is everybody? Her search leads her into the heart of the angels' secret plans where she catches a glimpse of their motivations, and learns the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go.

Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can't rejoin the angels, can't take his rightful place as one of their leaders. When faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose?

Expected Publication: November 19, 2013

5. The Last Stand of The New York Institute (The Bane Chronicles Part 8) by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan and Maureen Johnson

Synopsis:

Magnus meets Valentine in battle as the Circle attacks the Downworlders of New York City.

In the time of the Uprising, Valentine’s Circle goes after Downworlders in New York...and the Shadowhunters of the Institute must decide whether to join him, or fight with Magnus and his kind. This is the first time Magnus sees Jocelyn, Luke, and Stephen—but not the last. It is not long before Jocelyn seeks him out...

Expected Publication: November 19, 2013

6. Brooke (Under The Never Sky #2.5) by Veronica Rossi

Synopsis:

Set just before the events of Into the Still Blue, the conclusion to Veronica Rossi's "masterpiece" Under the Never Sky trilogy (Examiner.com), 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.

Expected Publication: November 26, 2013

7. Night of Cake and Puppets (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #2.5) by Laini Taylor

Synopsis:

In Night of Cake & Puppets, Taylor brings to life a night only hinted at in the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy—the magical first date of fan-favorites Zuzana and Mik. Told in alternating perspectives, it’s the perfect love story for fans of the series and new readers alike. Petite though she may be, Zuzana is not known for timidity. Her best friend, Karou, calls her “rabid fairy,” her “voodoo eyes” are said to freeze blood, and even her older brother fears her wrath. But when it comes to the simple matter of talking to Mik, or “Violin Boy,” her courage deserts her. Now, enough is enough. Zuzana is determined to meet him, and she has a fistful of magic and a plan. It’s a wonderfully elaborate treasure hunt of a plan that will take Mik all over Prague on a cold winter’s night before finally leading him to the treasure: herself! Violin Boy’s not going to know what hit him.

Expected Publication: November 26, 2013

7. Crash Into You (Pushing The Limits #3) by Katie McGarry

Synopsis:

From acclaimed author Katie McGarry comes an explosive new tale of a good girl with a reckless streak, a street-smart guy with nothing to lose, and a romance forged in the fast lane

The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life-that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers...and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker-a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind.

Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look.

But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.

Expected Publication: November 26, 2013

8. Pawn (The Blackcoat Rebellion #1) by Aimee Carter

Synopsis:

YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING.

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

Previously titled Masked.

Expected Publication: November 26, 2013