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.

***

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.

***

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!

Top Ten YA Novels 2013 #9: Through The Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Day 2! And this is a sequel of one of my top ten YA novels in 2012 which I love very much.

The ninth place belongs to

Through The Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Synopsis:

It's been months since Aria learned of her mother's death.

Months since Perry became Blood Lord of the Tides, and months since Aria last saw him.

Now Aria and Perry are about to be reunited. It's a moment they've been longing for with countless expectations. And it's a moment that lives up to all of them. At least, at first.

Then it slips away. The Tides don't take kindly to former Dwellers like Aria. And the tribe is swirling out of Perry's control. With the Aether storms worsening every day, the only remaining hope for peace and safety is the Still Blue. But does this haven truly exist?

Threatened by false friends and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and sci-fi elements to create a captivating adventure-and a love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

***

Date Read: January 8, 2013

My Review:

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.com/2013/01/through-ever-night-review.html

My Rating: 9/10

***

Top 5 Reasons Why I Like It:

1. It takes "blackmailing" to a whole new level

Bravo, bravo. This has to be one of the best blackmailing ever. It's not the technique that makes me cheer. It's the emotional brought forth. I hate, hate, HATE Hess so much for blackmailing a girl he himself exiled. It's just un-freaking-believable. And of course, the technique of blackmailing is very good too, otherwise it's hard to like it on just an emotional level.

2. Roar!

I really like Perry and Aria in Through The Ever Night because they show their character strength in their hardest times. But Roar is my favorite character in TTEN. He's so adorable and lovable. There are no words. You have to read it for yourself.

3. Stakes

It's probably an old thing to say, but it's true. Stakes are higher. Much higher than any of us anticipated. Yep, a dangerous streak in Through The Ever Night. Just how I like it.

4. The strength of love between Aria and Perry (There goes for Roar and Liv too)

Aria and Perry first (because they are my favorite couple in the trilogy). Even when people despise Aria, even when people doubt Perry, even when their hope to be together seems more impossible each passing second, they still believe each other. It's brilliant. Perfect.

Roar and Liv are so different from Aria and Perry in many ways, but in some ways their problems are the same. Separated, with no hope to get back together unless they rebel. They still cling to their love for each other. And both of them will sacrifice themselves to save each other. It's heartbreaking and touching at the same time

5. Aria

Aria, is my second most favorite character in TTEN. She's not the whiny girl in Under The Never Sky anymore. She's grown. Changed. And she's determined to survive. The strength of her has finally shone through. And it's radiant.

***

Why I recommend this book/series:

I like Under The Never Sky (otherwise how the hell would it make to my 2012 Top Ten YA Novels list?). But I admit that there are some significant flaws that even I can't skip. So I won't wholeheartedly recommend it to just about every YA readers. However I cannot say the same to Through The Ever Night. TTEN is just so much better than UTNS from the start. This book doesn't even take time to bullshit around just for a little while (Okay, I'm not saying UTNS is bullshiting around, but some of the other readers seems to think so...). Action and emotion mingle together into a colorful vortex. Damn, Through The Ever Night is nothing short of amazing. 

***

Do I like the cover?

It's okay. I like the one on Under The Never Sky more. I thought Perry was blonde... But the green sky seems dangerous and it fits the story. 

***

Top 3 Favorite Scenes: (Beware Spoilers)

1. Aria and Perry's Reunion (Chapter 1):

One word: Adorable. I think that covers it all. :)

2. Aria and Liv's talk (Chapter 26)

Well, I'm not sure if I liked Liv before while I was reading Roar and Liv or the previous chapters of Through The Ever Night. But after this one... let's just say she's a strong and likable girl :)

3. Another Roar and Liv scene (Chapter 32)

It's heart-breaking. But it's one of the best scenes ever. 

***

OTP:

Are you seriously telling me to choose between Aria/Perry and Roar/Liv??? I simply can't!

Into The Still Blue (ARC): Review

Synopsis:

The earth-shattering conclusion to Veronica Rossi's "masterpiece" Under the Never Sky trilogy and sequel to the New York Times bestselling Through the Ever Night (Examiner.com).

Their love and their leadership have been tested. Now it's time for Perry and Aria to unite the Dwellers and the Outsiders in one last desperate attempt to bring balance to their world.

The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe-haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do-and they are just as determined to stay together.

Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. And when Roar returns to camp, he is so furious with Perry that he won't even look at him, and Perry begins to feel like they have already lost.

Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble a team to mount an impossible rescue mission-because Cinder isn't just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival, he's also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most.

In this final book in her stunning Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi raises the stakes to their absolute limit and brings her epic love story to an unforgettable close.

***

Okay, so the synopsis tell us that Into The Still Blue will be earth-shattering. You know what? Earth-shattering is an understatement. This book can move heaven and hell. I cannot even think to stop my toes-curling, lip-biting actions. Yep, this book just has that kind of power over me.

I will try not to include any spoilers here because this book has not been officially released yet and I will totally be cut by a bunch of fans if I reveal any spoilers. Also, it's the last book of the trilogy, after all. I will try my best not to spoil people out there.

Plot first. It's perfect. There's an unbreakable bond linking all the events together. And did I mention every single one of the is heart-stopping in their own way? Either they are brutal or sensual, they are some of the best scenes ever. And yes, I mentioned brutal. It might not be exactly the same brutal you are imagining, but the waves of plot twists and emotions you will get from Into The Still Blue... it crashes over you and you will experience feelings like you've never before.

Characters are really well-developed too. Each of them has a significance of their own. Whether they are likable or unlikable, they're definitely not it-won't-make-much-of-a-difference-if-he-or-she-fades-away-into-the-background characters. Veronica Rossi digs deep into their hearts this time. Their deepest fears, deepest despair, deepest friendship, deepest love... they lay bare before our eyes this time. And it's overwhelming and endearing at the same time. A true wonder in a book as epic as Into The Still Blue.

Writing style is great too. If I were to be a nitpicker, I could totally say a few things. But since they're insignificant, I'm not going to judge anything. But there are a lot of things to like. I will try my best to explain. I hope you won't laugh at my following words. Let's see... Veronica Rossi's words are like sharp darts, hitting the center of great plots and emotions. She can present her story really well. Not only it's very easy to understand the story, we can live with the characters. It's an achievement not many can do magnificently.

I can go on with this review forever. But studying's a bitch. I have to dwell back into my textbooks now. I wish I can talk about the romance shared between Perry and Aria here. But I don't have the time. More importantly, this is something you should feel yourself and I don't want my opinion (even my spoiler-free ones) taint your judgement in any way.

Rating: 9.5/10

P.S. I'm doing a series recap thing starting from 2014. And since it's December already... I will do one for Under The Never Sky trilogy next month.

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

Cover Reveal: Into The Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

Oh. My. Gosh. The cover is finally here, after 6 months of waiting!!! Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi, the last book of one of my all-time favorite series, Under The Never Sky.

Here's the cover:

No offense, but I have to say the cover is a little bit weird to me... But I love the heading:

"The world needs them. They need each other"

Aww, perfect for Into The Still Blue.

And you know what? We have a sneak peek!!! Squee!

View this here: http://shelf-life.ew.com/2013/06/20/veronica-rossi-into-the-still-blue-cover-exclusive/

Into The Still Blue will be released on January 28, 2013

Teaser Tuesday: Into The Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

One does not simply forget about Through The Ever Night once you fall in love with Under The Never Sky trilogy.

And now, we finally we have one single tease for our UTNS fans! It's from the last installment of the trilogy, Into The Still Blue.

“Yes, Molly, she is wounded and weak," Reef said, "but weakness is no longer a factor. We are all weak. What matters now is time. That is a factor. War rules. We do what's needed, when it’s needed." He pointed at Aria without looking away from Molly. "Right now that means she needs to know exactly what’s happening.”

Reef's words shook off any last wisp of fuzziness from Aria’s mind. They brought her back to where she’d been a week ago, alert and tense, a little breathless, with a sense of desperation curling inside of her like a stomachache.

***

OMG what is happening in ITSB? I so need to know! The waiting is killing me!

Into The Still Blue will be released in January 2014.

Through The Ever Night: Review

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

***

The awesomeness of the book is beyond description. I love Under The Never Sky. A lot. And the sequel is even more stunning. This book hasn't disappointed me. Not even a tiny bit. The setting-- it's just plain perfect. No major characters are spared from the important role they play in TTEN. Veronica Rossi is truly a great author. Every chapter is excellent. I look forward to Into The Still Blue.

Aria has changed. I love her even more in this book. The reviewers out there are right. You will love the characters more in this book if you love them already in Under The Never Sky. She's not just tougher anymore. She's not nosy. Well, she's not nosy even at first, but I really love her. She has to be my own favorite heronie besides Tris and Lena now.

And Roar... he has officially become my favorite character now. In some ways he's better even than Perry. He's just sweet and friendly. He's the best friend you can ever imagine. I really feel bad for him when he lost Liv once again. Veronica Rossi has set up a great character. 

Perry has changed too. In a good way, of course. Like Aria, he can deal with the issues more reasonably now. And his love for her is remarkable. Even with Kirra's presence, trying to lure him, he still keep his clear mind. Very appreciative. And their reunion is breath-taking (I'm talking about both the reunion at the first part of the book and the last part of the book).

Liv... well, seeing her attitude towards Roar isn't that appealing at first. She's nothing like the girl in Roar and Liv, which makes me kind of angry. But then I totally understand her after hearing her reasons. I feel bad for her. And the thought of she being in trouble is nauseating. I feel bad for the couple.

There is no extra lust in this book. I mean, there's no too-deep kissing in this book. I love deep kisses, but that's not the situation where you can make out whenever you want. Veronica Rossi take the emotional part of the book really well, and I appreciate her for it. Breath-taking, without all the heart-breaking and gut-wrenching. This series staying innocent is always good, considering I love reading all kinds of love in different YA novels.

I wonder if Through the Ever Night will become my top ten YA novels in 2013...


Rating: 9/10

Top Ten YA Novels 2012: Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Time for the 8th best novel I read in 2012! It's Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi.

Summary:

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

***

Why I think this book is awesome:

1. Obvious separation:

I know that most dystopian novel are about keeping the citizens ignorant and what really is happening "outside". But most people living in those dystopian novels don't know about the outside. But in UTNS, the Dwellers know about the Outside, aka Death Shop, and Aether storms. Not very much, but at least they know they're in some sort of danger.

You might ask, "well, then, what so interesting about it?" the author can push the plot harder right on the first book, and even harder on the second book (I read the excerpt of Through The Ever Night). That means: Everything's gonna be way more interesting.


2. Unexpected things keep popping up:

After several years of heart-breaking, gut-wrenching, palm-twitching, toes-curling, even I thought I am used to all kinds of surprise. But no. I still can't figure out why this book can still surprise me (in a good way, of course). First is Aria being a half-Dweller. Second is Talon being so goddamn happy in Dweller's lab (and I was like why the hell is he so freaking happy?) And third is Consul Hess's blackmail. I love surprises all the time.


3. It kind of reminds me of Shatter Me

I have a habit. You can call it either good or bad. But I always put series into pairs. Like TMI/TID, Divergent/Delirium, Lux/Covenant. And now I put Under The Never Sky with Shatter Me. Their writing style is so different yet oddly the same. Running from obvious threat. You might think just because it resembles Shatter Me by your standard doesn't mean UTNS is good (or Shatter Me). Well, there's no real explaining to that. I just love Shatter Me. And somehow UTNS reminds me of Adam and Juliette (vise versa, with Aria and Perry). Maybe that's why.


***

Why you guys should read this book:

1. A different kind of dystopian novel:

Why so different? Many dystopian novel are about science and politics. Like in Divergent, all kinds of serum and battle between Erudite and Abnegation. Or Delirium, which involves the procedure and DLA. Or even Partials, which involves a disease and some kind of man-made creature. But this is different. The Seers, the Auds, and the Scires are more like supernatural things than logical. Putting aside the Smarteye and all the Aether Storm trouble, this is like a supernatural dystopian novel. Even the Still Blue sounds more like a place like Eden. This is a nice combination.

2. Few gut-wrenching:

If you read The Mortal Instruments/The Infernal Devices/Divergent/whatever, you probably know that these series are the most gut-wrenching and heart-breaking out of all series. And keep absorbing all those feels can damage your health (no kidding :D). Sometimes we really need to take a break. And UTNS is exactly the kind of break you should take. Even with all the exciting scenes, there are fewer destroy-you-into-million-pieces feels. Which is kind of relaxing.


See my full review here:

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.hk/2012/10/under-never-sky-review.html

Oh, and Through The Ever Night, the second book of this series, will be released on January 8th, 2013

Not far away, so no gut-wrenching? NO, I need to take part in my school examinations at the moment. *Sigh

Through The Ever Night Trailer!

It's finally here! Through The Ever Night book trailer, the stunning sequel of Under The Never Sky series by Veronica Rossi.

Check out the trailer here:

http://www.vh1.com/celebrity/2012-12-12/veronica-rossis-through-the-ever-night-exclusive-trailer-whats-in-store-for-these-futuristic-heroes/#more-284523/

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

***

Through The Ever Night will be released on January 8th, 2012. So make sure to buy it!

(And I will be writing like crazy on my exam paper when TTEN is released... UGH)

Dark Days Revealed: Book 3, 5, 6

Another post for The Dark Days!

I miss one book on day 2, so it's time reveal both day 2 and day 3 dystopian novels!

Book 3: Through The Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

Check out the whole reveal here: http://myoverstuffedbookshelf.blogspot.hk/2012/12/dark-days-author-reveal-3.html?spref=tw


Book 5: Fragments by Dan Wells

Kira Walker has found the cure for RM, but the battle for the survival of humans and Partials is only just beginning. Kira has left East Meadow in a desperate search for clues as to who she is. That the Partials themselves hold the cure for RM in their blood cannot be a coincidence—it must be part of a larger plan, a plan that Kira knows she is a part of, a plan that could save both races. Her allies are Afa Demoux, an unhinged drifter and former employee of ParaGen, and Samm and Heron, the Partials who betrayed her and saved her life, the only ones who know her secret. But can she trust them?
Meanwhile, back on Long Island, what’s left of humanity is gearing up for war with the Partials, and Marcus knows his only hope is to delay them until Kira returns. But Kira’s journey will take her deep into the overgrown wasteland of postapocalyptic America, and they will both discover that their greatest enemy may be one they didn’t even know existed.

Check out the reveal here: http://www.emilysreadingroom.com/2012/12/dark-days-blog-tour-reveal.html


Book 6: Requiem by Lauren Oliver (REQUIEM!!!!)

Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight.

After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor. Requiem is told from both Lena’s and Hana’s points of view. The two girls live side by side in a world that divides them until, at last, their stories converge.


Check out the reveal here:  http://ya-sisterhood.blogspot.hk/2012/12/pitch-dark-days-revealed.html

It's from YA Sisterhood, so make sure to check out Requiem!

Aren't you excited for a Dark Days read in 2013?

Mulling Monday: Through The Ever Night

The sequel of the bestselling Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi will be released on January 8th, 2013. It's now December, and I've been thinking about what will possibly happen in Through The Ever Night. (In short, it's theory time, AGAIN)

So there are two information that I can rely on:

1. The summary:

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

2. The excerpt from Roar and Liv.


And I'm sure I can make some predictions out of those limited information... even though they are not that accurate.

1. What will happen in The Tides once Perry comes back with Aria?

The million dollar question here. I can't tell the details, obviously. But one thing is certain. The Tides are not going to like Aria simply because she's a half freaking Dweller. And thinking that makes me a little angry. Come on, she is just a HALF Dweller. She's innocent. And she's an Aud, okay? Obviously she's on Perry's side. 

2. Will quarrels happen between them?

I'm almost certain about it. They are surrounded by false friends, hidden enemies and powerful temptations (as the summary says). There will be some quarrel, maybe a huge (or should I say catastrophic?) one will happen and ruin their relationship. Again it's just a theory. But I have a feeling it's gonna happen somehow.

3. Will Consul Hess find Aria?

I can't know for certain. But there's a possibility. If you read the excerpt of Through The Ever Night before, you should know that Aria doesn't want Perry know that Consul Hess blackmail her because she doesn't want him worry about her (in Chapter 2, if you are still confused). So maybe Consul Hess will find Aria at some point and reveal the blackmail in front of the Tides. I have a feeling that if that happens, this will be one of the reasons that trigger Aria and Perry's quarrel,

4. Will Aria leave Perry?

Another million dollar question. It seems like Aria will have the intention to leave Perry behind to protect him from the summary, and even in the excerpt, she says that maybe she should go. So that's fifty-fifty. Either she will truly leave Perry behind, or she will be close to that point. But either way, I'm sure Perry's not gonna be happy with it.

5. What about the Horns?

Well, that's the problem. I have no idea what the Horns will do in Through The Ever Night. It's obvious that Liv hadn't gone to Sable in Roar and Liv. So they will probably not happy with it. Perry's the Blood Lord now, so they may cause trouble in the Tides and bring headache to Perry. From what Aria says in the excerpt, it seems like the Horns knows best about the Still Blue, or they are the closest to Still Blue. Or they ARE in the Still Blue. I think they will play a big part in either Into The Still Blue or both TTEN and ITSB. But will they be an ally or an enemy? I'm still not sure about it. But I have a feeling that they're gonna be enemies.

6. Will they find the Still Blue?

Another fifty-fifty. One option is that they cannot find the Still Blue until in Into The Still Blue and finally have peace (because come on, ITSB is the last book of the trilogy). Or two, they find the Still Blue at the end of Through The Ever Night but finds out that the Still Blue is not what they think it is. That it's not heavenly or Aether-free or danger-free. I think the second option will be way more interesting. But that reminds me of Across The Universe.

***

I'm ready to read Through The Ever Night. Are you ready?

Roar and Liv: Review

Finally I can get my hands on Roar and Liv!

Summary:

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.

Set in the harsh but often beautiful world of Veronica Rossi's "unforgettable" Under the Never Sky (Examiner.com), this captivating prequel novella stands on its own for new readers and offers series fans a fascinating look into the character of Roar. Poignant and powerful, Roar and Liv is a love story that will "capture your imagination and your heart." (Justine on Under the Never Sky)

***

This is a short story, so I will keep the review short.

Roar is really different from the one I know about in Under the Never Sky. He's... well, more fierce. And I like him even more. Liv is fierce too, which is really rare in short stories. Although she should be considering she is living Outside. Two fierce guys should definitely be together. 

Perry... Perry is also slightly different from the one in Under The Never Sky. He's still loyal to his friend, but he's a little bit kinder back then. And I blame Vale for his change of personality. I hate Vale for trading Talon to the Dwellers back in Under The Never Sky, and I hate him even more when he trade his sister (his SISTER!) to Sable, which is obviously not one of the nice guys. Glad that he died in Under The Never Sky.

The story is short yet it's very clear about what the story's about. There's no crap in this short story. Everything shouldn't be cut or anything. And their relationship is really sweet and clear and innocent, not like some dark and complicated love that will sometimes confuse you. I love Roar and Liv. Not just the story, but also the two guys.

And there's an excerpt of Through The Ever Night in my edition, and I was only a step from going all-out fangirl motion. Months. It doesn't sound like months have been past. But I guess Aria is no Dweller now. She's an Aud now (grinning), and she should be trusted. Can't wait for Through The Ever Night!

Rating: 9/10  

Roar and Liv: Out Now!

It's time for some short stories! Roar and Liv has come out. Hope that the relationship will be as good as Aria and Perry.

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.

Set in the harsh but often beautiful world of Veronica Rossi's "unforgettable" Under the Never Sky (Examiner.com), this captivating prequel novella stands on its own for new readers and offers series fans a fascinating look into the character of Roar. Poignant and powerful, Roar and Liv is a love story that will "capture your imagination and your heart." (Justine on Under the Never Sky)

***
I am so excited.

Roar and Liv has hit the online stores. 

So...

Through The Ever Night, the second book of Under the Never Sky series by Veronica Rossi, will come out on January 8, 2013!

Not so long, huh?

Roar and Liv: 1 Day to Go!

Any dudes love Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi? Well, if you haven't already known about it, you should definitely check this one out. It's Roar and Liv, Under The Never Sky #1.5 novella!

Summary:

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.

Set in the harsh but often beautiful world of Veronica Rossi's "unforgettable" Under the Never Sky (Examiner.com), this captivating prequel novella stands on its own for new readers and offers series fans a fascinating look into the character of Roar. Poignant and powerful, Roar and Liv is a love story that will "capture your imagination and your heart." (Justine on Under the Never Sky)

***
I can't wait for this one. There's Roar, my favorite character in Under The Never Sky! Only 1 day to go, only 1 day to go, only... (hypnotizing myself... not really. Ha) 

Under The Never Sky: Review

I've started a new series, again! This time it's Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi. Check out the summary:

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

***
Why does everyone who has the name Veronica has to be such a great writer! This book is AWESOME. I just don't understand why I hadn't read it before. 

There are plenty good things about this book. First is Aria. I really, really like her. Not just because she is as tough as nails, but also she kinda reminds me of myself. I just don't know how to describe her personality, but somehow I feel that there are some similarity between us. That's a good thing, at least, considering I don't usually compare myself to female characters. They are either just too awesome or too dumb.

Then there's Perry. Actually he acts exactly like a jerk when he and Aria first met in the Outside. Their quarrel brings both fun and irritation. Irritation is supposed to be a bad word. But somehow I find myself loving those quarrels, almost as much as I love the battle between Daemon and Kat. And truth to be told, Perry is sweet too. I won't say I love him. But I think he will be a good friend.

The relationship is one of the best things in the book. Probably one of the best among all kinds of relationship. Yes, I love smoking hot relationship like Tessa/Will, Jace/Clary, Daemon/Kat, Aiden/Alex. But this one is not just sweet. It's peaceful. There's no lust. There's no strong desire. Just like your regular relationship, only it happens on an unusual field. That's quite a break and a preparation, considering what I'm gonna read in the next 7 months is gonna be angst-ridden.

Roar is a very good and fun character. He's sweet and talkative. I like that kind of friends. They can bring out laughter from you. So I really want to read the extra of Under The Never Sky, Roar and Liv. Looks like Liv is a good character too. I want to see what happened between them. And even more, see them reunite.

I like the setting of Under The Never Sky. There are two very different worlds. One is the Pods, which is claimed to be safe and people live on virtual worlds and high-tech facilities and are even weaker than spoiled children nowadays. Another is the Outside, where people have to be very aware of the Aether storms and have a tough life. The best part of the setting is that it sounds like a dystopian novel (and it IS), but the story doesn't show obvious sign that Aria is living in a dystopia world, at least not as obvious as Divergent, Delirium and The Hunger Games.

This book is just awesome. There's no way I won't give a high rating about this. And I can't wait for the second book of the series, Through the Ever Night, which will be released on January 8, 2013. And can somebody tell me where I can find Roar and Liv, the short story set in the world of Under The Never Sky? I wanna read it so badly.

Rating: 8/10