Book Review: Into the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky #3) by Veronica Rossi

Title: Into the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky #3)
Author: Veronica Rossi
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publishing Date: January 28th 2014
Length: 400 pages  
Keywords:YA, fiction, dystopian, romance, action, friendship
Source: Publisher

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.

Summary by Goodreads

When you've read all three books in this series you can see a very significant development and distinct suspense curve from UNDER THE NEVER SKY, THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT to INTO THE STILL BLUE. A trilogy with a strong and very harmonious story unit. Veronica Rossi's books are adventurous and wild and have just so much to offer. The Still Blue is this mythical and paradisiac place we've been waiting to discover together with our heroes since the very beginning and now we are as close as never before.

This last leg of Aria and Perry's journey isn't any less thrilling and dangerous than the previous instalments. This book is the chance of one last surge of action, to win the final battle against nature and the hellish Aether storms. But the Horns and the Dwellers around Hess aren't any easier to defeat than the Aether.
When our friends start into INTO THE STILL BLUE there are many uncertainties weighing them down. How can they get Cinder back? Find the Still Blue and outwit their enemies? You should be prepared to lose more characters in this final battle.

INTO THE STILL BLUE is very much about how all three different tribes are trying to achieve their respective goals, about the violence and battle potential between them. The Horns are very rural and big in force, the Dwellers are strong in the research and technology department and the Tides are caring and are putting high importance on the well-being of their people. I guess I know who you'll all be rooting for.

Amidst all the chaos and fighting there is Aria and Perry's love for each other, which is soothing and a welcome change. Their romance can be your silent island in the storm-tossed sea of this story. Now there are even more emotions and needs in the relationship of the two. Like other YA couples they are not free of conflicts and problems, but they are always reasonable and talk about what's worrying them at some point at least.

One could think after I liked all three UNDER THE NEVER SKY BOOKS so much, I should finally be able to give this last book in the trilogy the full five-star rating. Here's why, besides the very good last book that it was,  I wasn't completely happy with the ending.
Veronica Rossi reserved a good amount of chapters to tell us what's in it for our characters in future and tries to tie up every single story thread in the end. I wasn't convinced that she used the time we readers get to spend with our characters in the end economically enough. Some expendable scenes were simply stealing time from my precious last happy minutes with Aria and all the others. You can imagine I wasn't okay with that. I guess you see, this isn't the worst critique one could have about a book, wanting to always know more about your favourite characters in the end and to hope that their story never ends.

4,5/5 ****/* INTO THE STILL BLUE - The astute and perilously wonderful conclusion to the much beloved UNDER THE NEVER SKY series.

I only started the UNDER THE NEVER SKY series in the summer of 2013 and didn't have to wait too long to read the second and third books. Now I'm letting my favourite characters go with mixed feelings and can all but hope that we'll meet again soon in an UNDER THE NEVER SKY spin-off series. I'm so glad that everyone who discovers this series now can get all three books at the same time. Think of this series when you are planning your next special book series reading weekend.

"Aria lurched upright, the echo of gunshots ringing in her ears. Disoriented, she blinked at her surroundings, taking in the canvas walls, the two bed pallets, and the stack of battered storage trunks, finally recognizing Perry's tent. Pain pulsed steadily in her right arm. She looked down at the white bandage wrapped from her shoulder to her wrist, dread swirling in her stomach." ― p.1

INTO THE STILL BLUE you might enjoy THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS, a fantastical world created by Rae Carson. In BREATHE by Sarah Crossan and BLOOD RED ROAD by Moira Young teens are fighting the lack of oxygen on the planet and sandstorms. Just in case you are already missing Veronica Rossi's Aether storms.

* Have you read BROOKE, the novella between THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT and INTO THE STILL BLUE?

* Click here for an excerpt of INTO THE STILL BLUE.

* To watch the book trailer, click here.

* Want to meet Veronica Rossi? Check out her event schedule.

* For more information about Veronica and her books visit www.veronicarossi.com.

* Thanks to Harper Collins International for sending me a copy of INTO THE STILL BLUE for review!

Mini Reviews #22

What do the three books of today's Mini Reviews post have in common? THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT by Veronica Rossi, DAYS OF BLOOD AND STARLIGHT by Laini Taylor and SHADOW AND BONE by Leigh Bardugo are all extremely easy to love. Have you read any of them?

Through the Ever Night (Under the Never Sky #2) by Veronica Rossi

After months of being separated, Aria and Perry are finally reunited. Perry has become Blood Lord of the Tides and is struggling. How can he convince his people of his capability? Meanwhile Aria is set on finding the Still Blue. 

It doesn't take long for the young lovers to realise that they can only succeed if they face the tasks ahead on their own. How are they gonna deal with the fatal Aether storms that are annihilating the country? And when will they get a chance to be together again?

Can you imagine THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT being even better than the first book in the series, knowing Aria and Perry aren't together most of the time? I couldn't either, but it really is just as good, if not better, than the first. It took me maybe about fourty pages or so and I was drawn into Aria and Perry's story like the first time I picked up UNDER THE NEVER SKY. I love that Aria and Perry get to tell chapters from their own perspectives and although they are on their missions, they are always connected through a major common goal.

This second book in Veronica Rossi's UNDER THE NEVER SKY series deserves a loud roar, it's that good (pun intended). Her characters are as strong and unique as in the first book and the trials they see themselves faced with are even harder to endure. Roar and Liv's story was just as intriguing as Aria and Perry's. So many feels! 

With nature lashing out at the Tides, Reverie and all the other tribes, Veronica Rossi built in a relatable and reliable time bomb, putting high pressure on our characters and making sure to upset the reader, too. As Aether storms got stronger, my emotional involvement with Veronica Rossi's world grew exponentially stronger, too. I never get tired of this world!

4,5/5 ****/* THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT – A fearless and glowing second book in a beloved YA dystopian series!

I'm so delighted I gave UNDER THE NEVER SKY a try back when I thought I wouldn't like it a bit. Now I do like it so, so much. As much as Aria and Perry's story is inflicting heartache from time to time, I'm still craving to read more about them. I'm already wondering what I'll do when the series comes to an end.

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publishing Date: January 8^th 2013
Length: 341 pages
Keywords: YA, dystopian fiction, fantasy, romance, science-fiction, friendship

Source: Netgalley

Goodreads Summary 

Through the Ever Night Excerpt 

Author's Homepage

Days of Blood and Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #2) by Laini Taylor

"Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war. This is not that world. [...] She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it."
How could one not want to read DAYS OF BLOOD AND STARLIGHT after the ending of DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE? Took me a while to get into the story and feel moved though. This could be because we are following the stories of a bunch of new characters now. The many perspectives mean there's less time to learn more about our beloved Karou and Akiva, too. Akiva's siblings are playing a major role. Then there are chapters about what Zuzana and Mik are up to and how they are planning on getting Karou back. The evil angel leaders' plans on the one side, the forming of a chimaera revolution on the other. We are travelling with a slave caravan and find out how the victims are treated in a war without rules. Many new characters, that could bring new meaning, too,  make sure that this sequel is a well-rounded read regarding the narrative emphases Laini Taylor is setting.
Unforunately, there's not as much travelling in the real world, than in Eretz (One of my favourite parts of DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE were Karou's travels). But Laini Taylor takes us back to Prague where Zuzanne and Mik are worrying about Karou and a second setting in the real world which is located in the desert, under the blazing sun and the bright starry sky. Again, I did feel like I was in a different country and time when I read DAYS OF BLOOD AND STARLIGHT. Laini Taylor's writing is so vivid and grasping.

4/5 **** DAYS OF BLOOD AND STARLIGHT - A brutal and, later into the story, very emotional read with strong character additions.

A war-torn country, beasts and angels are fighting for their lives when the battle had been thought to be lost. I pretty much guess the pages of this sequel to DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE capture the darkest moments in our character' lives. DAYS OF BLOOD AND STARLIGHT didn't have the immediate stun effect on me that the first book had. What can we expect from DREAMS OF GODS AND MONSTERS now?

Publisher: Little Brown Books For Young Readers

Publishing Date: November 6^th 2012
Length: 513 pages
Keywords: YA, fiction, fantasy, romance, chimaera, angel, war

Source: Bought

Goodreads Summary 

Days of Blood and Starlight Excerpt 

Author's Homepage

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1) by Leigh Bardugo

The nation of Ravka is destroyed by monsters and darkness. No one could've guessed that orphan Alina has the power that could destory Ravka's enemies and threats. Suddenly she's seeing herself becoming a part of the Grisha, the magical elite of the kingdom. And in the midst of Ravka's largest battle, Alina's heart is struggeling between her childhood friend Mal and the Darkling, the dangerous leader of the Grisha.

Leigh Bardugo set her story in Ravka, on the territory of today's Russia, whose culture has a big influence on how this story feels. The story's strong features aren't any high tech gadgets, but man power, traditions and elemental magic that hold the reader's attention easily. 

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about SHADOW AND BONE is darkness. It's a lot about war, fighting for justice and against evil.
But there's time for friendship and love, too. Alina and Mal's is an original love story, one I wouldn't have wanted to be any different. They grew up together and have been friends for as long as they can remember. Now Alina's feelings are changing and you desperately hope that Mal's have, too. Because, honestly ladies, he's a very good catch. Strong and loyal and passionate. You definitely want him at your side when it's time to face off the evil enemies. 

It's like they were cut out of the very same fabric. Frayed and  a little bit beaten, cut here and there, patched up. They were separated on their journies to become the person they are today. And now sewn together, reunited, they are only stronger than before. They stand for a bond and cloth that can't be torn too easily. 

All the while the Darkling is reigning the nation with an iron fist. He holds great power over Alina, too, is even considered a legit love interest. Many, many girls will fall for his dark magic.

5/5 ***** SHADOW AND BONE - A dark and original read, set in a winter wonderland of magic and cruelty with an old soul. 

Leigh Bardugo introduces us to a world full of dream-like beauty. Magicians and witches, soldiers and lovers. You practically feel the magic drifting off the pages and filling up your imagination jar. SHADOW AND BONE is fabricated like your classic, old, very skillfully written fairy tale.

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Publishing Date: June 5^th 2012
Length: 358 pages
Keywords: YA, fiction, fantasy, romance, friendship, magic, Grisha, Darkling

Source: Bought 

Goodreads Summary 

Shadow and Bone Excerpt 

Author's Homepage

Coveresque feat. Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi (US vs. UK vs. German)

    US                                                   UK                                                     German

                                        

In 10 days the third book in Veronica Rossi's trilogy following Aria and Perry on their search for the Still Blue will be released into the wild. Veronica Rossi has been graced with gorgeous US covers, INTO THE STILL BLUE being my absolute favourite. Aren't the colors easy on the eyes? The title practically glows with this luminous shade of blue and the background looks like a beautiful aurora borealis show. And I can totally picture Aria looking like the cover girl. 

The next book I would pick up judging by its cover would be the UK edition. The colors are not as great as on the US cover. But I like that it has the sea as its background and that the transparent or glowing girl is becoming one with nature, at least it looks like it to me. 

Why is the German cover so fiery? A hint at the Aether storms intensifying? I'm planning to read INTO THE STILL BLUE next week, so I'll find out then. The German cover is okay. It's anything but exciting that all the covers for book one, two and three are the exact same except changes in color scheme (from green to blue and red) and titles. I have no idea why the A (A for Aria I thought at first), R and G are highlighted. Ideas?

Q! Which cover do you like best? Do you have other covers to add to this list?

Book Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Title: Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky #1) 

Author: Veronica Rossi

Publisher: Harper Teen

Publishing Date: January 3rd 2012

Length: 374 pages

Keywords: YA, fiction, fantasy, dystopian, romance, tribes

Source: Book Fair

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.

If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers.

Summary by Goodreads

When I picked up UNDER THE NEVER SKY and was a few pages into the story I thought I'd never get accustomed to this strange new world Veronica Rossi created. People living in domes, prevented from going to the outside and 'living' their lives in realms, virtual worlds to entertain their minds, never experiencing life in its full expanse. On the outside there are Savages who live in tribes without any culture or morals as Aria has always been taught.

Aria's story is set long after humanity as we've known it was destoryed. The world collapsed in on itself and so called Aether storms have taken over most of the land, leaving fiery destruction in their wake. Fights for territories with other tribes as the struggle to gain power within your own are inevitable.

The clash of advanced technology and tribal, very basic formations of life was a subject I often had to renegotionate throughout the story because the gap between them was so enormous.

A rather minor thing that irritated me were the remainders of ancient culture that popped up at some points during the story. Old pieces of art or inventions are mentioned by Aria and I kept wondering about how she or anyone else would have had the time to remember or cherish them when entire cities were being destroyed. Who cared for such things when people fought for survival? It's very trivial but they somehow weakened the authentic feel about the world building I slowly and steadily warmed up to.

The dual point of view from which the story was told, Aria the Dweller and Perry the Savage, came unexpected and it took me some time to get used to Perry's side of the story for I feared I wouldn't be able to pay much interest to his tribal life. I was surprised myself that it didn't took very long for me to get completely sucked into the story and I wouldn't have wanted to miss one of their perspectives on the events.

I'm always for love stories between very extreme characters who represent total opposites and different worlds, so you can guess Aria and Perry's love story was what made UNDER THE NEVER SKY an even more fabulous read. They fight, they curse and hurt each other, therefore the making up in the end is even that much more pleasurable.

UNDER THE NEVER SKY felt so much like a miniature version of Game of Thrones. With only one story to follow instead of numerous different ones but no less compelling in its intensity.

 

4,5/ 5 ****/* UNDER THE NEVER SKY - A miraculous and dangerous new fantastical world to get lost in!

Just make sure to be found by Perry, he's the best guide! It's been a long time since I've discovered a dystopian world as unique as Veronica's world under the never sky. Aria, Perry and their friends (Roar is one of my favourites, too) will be staying with me for a long time and I could barely contain my excitement to press the order button for THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT.

“She absorbed the terror and beauty of him and his world. Of every moment over the past days. All of it, filling her up like the first breath she'd ever taken. And never had she loved life more.” ― p. 252

UNDER THE NEVER SKY you should also enjoy GRACELING by Kristin Cashore, THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson and TOUCH OF POWER by Maria V. Snyder (my favourite out of the three). All of them are offering you another fantastical world and a strong woman with a quest.

* Can't get enough? Read ROAR AND LIV, the prequel to the UNDER THE NEVER SKY series!

* Click here for an excerpt of UNDER THE NEVER SKY.

* Find the book trailer here.

* For further information about Veronica Rossi and her books visit www.veronicarossi.com