Review: Into the Still Blue

Into the Still Blue
Author: Veronica Rossi
Published: January 28, 2014
Hardcover, 392 pages
5 Gold Stars

(summary from Goodreads)

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.

Within the confines of a cave they're using as a makeshift refuge, they struggle to reconcile their people, Dwellers and Outsiders, who are united only in their hatred of their desperate situation. Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. Then Roar arrives in a grief-stricken fury, endangering all with his need for revenge.

Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble an unlikely team for an impossible rescue mission. 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 earth-shattering Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi raises the stakes to their absolute limit and brings her epic love story to an unforgettable close.

It took me way to long to read this book! I think it's because I didn't want to say goodbye to Perry and Aria and was hoping there wasn't going to be an Allegiant ending. But as soon as I opened this book and dived back into their world, a world where you don't know if you'll survive and there's no telling who you can trust, I never wanted to leave. Perry and Aria and just as amazing as ever and their relationship is beautiful. The Aether is getting worse and as Perry tries to decide if he should keep his tribe where it is or risk getting involved with Sable in order to find the Still Blue, Aria tries to make her Dweller friends comfortable. New and old enemies and the everlasting storms keep Perry and Aria from escaping, hoping beyond hope that the Still Blue actually exists.

I fell in love with Perry and Aria the minute I met them. Their relationship started off wobbly, a Dweller and an Outsider suddenly together in hopes of making it home. Now, Aria calls Perry home and the two of them can only hope to have time together between ruling the tribe. Even though the world is doing everything to keep them apart, they know they belong together and will do anything to live a long happy life together. I'm glad that there hasn't been a love triangle in this book. I love that Aria and Roar are just friends and that Perry never did anything when he and Aria were apart. The problems in their relationship is not within them, but everyone around them. Perry wants to make sure that Cinder is protected, but when he fails to keep him safe, suddenly getting him back is the only thing Perry care about. Aria would do anything for Perry and there are many times she finds herself in situations where she could die to protect him. 

The action was perfectly paced throughout the book. There was never a minute where you could relax, as more and more things kept happening. It was fast-paced and riveting and the swift moments between Perry and Aria continued to give me hope for a happy ending. The myth of the Still Blue hung heavy in the air, never knowing if they'd actually make it there. This is the kind of ending to a series you hope for, and Rossi has successfully made me fall in love with her character and world and I know I'll be reading anything else she writes. Theses characters will stay with me for a long time and I will continue dreaming about my own Still Blue, a place where dreams can really come true.

“I want to kiss you,” he said. Forget pride. He wanted her too much “Can I?”
She nodded. “You don’t’ ever have to ask me that again. I’ll always say yes.” 

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Series I Need to Finish

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, where we discuss topics through lists, and I love lists.

This week's topic is: Freebie Week! So I've chosen Top Ten Series I Need to Finish

Legend by Marie Lu - Champion is begging to be read.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - I'm on Blood Promise, so there's still a bit of a way to go.
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi - Into the Still Blue is waiting for me.

Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz - Only two more left to go in this series, read through them so fast, I needed a break.
Breathe by Sarah Crossan - I still haven't picked up Resist, even though I loved the first book.

The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney - I already own The Rivals, not sure why I haven't read it yet.
The Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan - The House of Hades has waited too long.
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood - I haven't picked up Star Cursed yet, but it's pretty up there on the list to buy.

And two series I know I will finish as soon as the third and final books come out: 

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin - The Retribution of Mara Dyer needs to be out now!

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins - Isla and the Happily Ever After is going to be so cute, can't wait to get my hands on it!

Feral Fridays: Short Stories & Novellas

I haven't participated in Feral Fridays before, but I love reading what the girls over at Book Nerd Reviews have to say on Fridays, so I thought I'd put in my own opinion. This is a fun meme where we discuss different topics and get the chance to rant away.

This week we're talking about what we think of short stories, novellas, and novel extras.

Novellas have easily become one of my favourite part of new series. A lot of authors have been joining in on this trend. It's the perfect opportunity for them to explore their characters and settings with more depth than the novels allow. Usually these novellas are told through the perspective of a secondary character, or act as deleted scenes from the novels. It gives the readers a chance to see some behind the scenes action, learn more about their favourite characters, and get even more excited for the next book in the series. They are a nice little tidbit that doesn't cost much, or is sometimes free, that make the wait for the next novel a little more bearable.

My first experience with novellas was the Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent. In between the last three books, Vincent took the opportunity to get us pumped by releasing short stories, without any spoilers, written from the point of view of characters we hadn't had a chance to hear much from. Some of these were characters I loved, like Tod (Reaper), and others were less likeable characters, like Sophie (Never to Sleep), who became more likeable after experiencing the story through their eyes. Many more authors followed this trend. Julie Kagawa released a couple of stories from The Iron Fey world, allowing us readers into the minds of both Puck and Ash (before Ash got his own novel). Sophie Jordan gave us a look at Az's life in Breathless, set in the world, and Veronica Rossi made me fall in love with Roar and Liv even more in the Under the Never Sky novella, Roar and Liv. Lauren Oliver gave her supporting characters the spotlight in her Delirium Stories, giving Annabel, Hana, and Raven their chance to add to the story. Tahereh Mafi showed us that Warner wasn't as bad as we all thought he was in Destroy Me. Then of course there is Veronica Roth, who is coming out with a collection of short stories told by Four, giving us a first hand look at his history and life.
Firelight

The great part about these novellas is that they tend to add something to the overall story. You don't miss anything by not reading them, but when the author references them subtly in the novel, you pick up on it. It's a fun little extra that gives you a chance to learn more about characters that don't control the story. When you are used to seeing everything from one character's perspective, it's nice to get to know those who are helping that character get to their goal, and find out what their own end goals are.

I love forward to novellas almost as much as I look forward to the next novel in the series. They can make you care about someone you thought you disliked, or just let you swoon over a nice little romance scene that didn't make it into the novels. Either way, I think they are a great extra to series and I'd love to see more of them.

Are you a fan of novellas? Do you read them? Let me know!

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I'd Like to See Turned Into Movies or TV Shows

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Every week they post a new topic that the participants come up with a top ten list for.

This week's topic is Books I'd like to see turned into movies or TV shows

1. Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent: By far my favourite series and I think it would make a great TV show. There are too many books to make movies out of them, but there's more than enough content there to get through some seasons, and even add some new content, I won't mind.

2. The Curse Workers series by Holly Black: Another fantastic series that would make a great show. There could be so much back story created with both Cassel and Lila and we could explore some of the tricks and mischief that happened before the series began.

3. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins: I fell in love with this book, these characters, and Paris! This make a fantastic movie with so many amazing visuals and swoon worthy romance. 

4. Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder: I read this book a while ago, but it's stuck with me since. This would make a great sci-fi movie for a younger audience with twists and turns and mysteries throughout it. 

5. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer: The world Meyer has built in these books would look fabulous on screen. The characters are sharp and strong and visuals play an important part throughout these books. I'd die if I got to see Cinder and Scarlett light it up in a theatre!

6. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi: Dystopians have become a hit with The Hunger Games and I think this one would make a great follow up after Divergent. The atmosphere would look great on screen, especially the Aether. 

7. This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers: I need to have Summers on every list because she is such a great author. This zombie book is unlike anything I've read and it captures what teens would feel during an ordeal like this so perfectly. It would hit some people hard and it would be visually creepy and stunning.

8. Can You Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella: By far my favourite stand alone from her and if they don't plan on making anymore Confessions of a Shopaholic movies, why not try another one of her books? They are all so funny and charming and would make the perfect rom-coms!

9. Shade series by Jeri Smith-Ready: I think this could make a good series, but it would also work well as movies. A world where people under 17 can see ghosts would look awesome on screen and I think it would be nice to be able to expand some character while still focusing on Aura. Maybe even have some of the first season be pre Logan death? There's a lot to explore in this world and I'd love to see it done!

10. True Believer by Nicholas Sparks: I had to put Sparks on here because the movies made from his books are always so wonderful. There is always so much love and heartbreak that it can be overwhelming, but sometimes that's what you need. This one is one of my favourites because of the ending and I think it would transfer well onto film (just like all his other books!)

I'd love to see any one of these books beautified on screen, either large or small, and if I'm lucky enough to see just one of them, I'll be happy. Any one have any doubles? I'd love to hear what you think and what your lists look like!

Review: Through the Ever Night

Through the Ever Night (Under the Never Sky #2)
Author: Veronica Rossi
Published: January 8, 2013
341 Pages
5 Gold Stars

(summary from Goodreads)

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?


I'm always cautious when I pick up the second book in a trilogy. You're never quite sure what to expect and you don't want the book to just be a filler. I'll admit that I had no worries about whether I would like this book or not, even if it was just filler. Thankfully there is no second book syndrome happening here. In fact, Through the Ever Night could simply stand on its own and it would still make complete sense. But I don't recommend reading just this one because you'd be missing on too much. I throughly enjoyed Under the Never Sky, and I picked up the sequel as soon as it came out, eager to see Aria and Perry together again.

Aria and Perry reunite after months apart. Perry is now the blood lord of his tribe after he took the position from his brother. His duties and responsibilities have grown high and with the aether storms flowing in, he's not sure if he'll be able to help the tribe in the way it needs. Aria has spent months with Roar healing and is excited to find Perry again. Their reunion is short lived since the tribe does not approve of Aria's presence. Before long, Aria is out of the road again, trying to do whatever she can to help Perry. 

There is so much tension between the two of them that the whole time you just want them to fall into each other's arms and experience a moment like they did in the first book. It's understandable why they act the way they do, but all I want is for them to be together. The alternating narratives gave us both sides of the story and there's no doubt that these two love each other. While Perry is dealing with his tribe, trying to fill his brother's large shoes, Aria is working with a dweller who wants her to find the Still Blue. She'll do whatever she has to in order to save Perry's nephew, Talon, who's being held in the pod. The pod is in trouble and so are the Tides and the only real way for anything to get solved is for them to work together. As they continue their search for the Still Blue, Perry and Aria's relationship is continuously put to the test. Other women, rumours and the threat of the tribe put their relationship in trouble. 

Rossi has a way of weaving words together to create a world that is not only beautiful, but dangerous. Both Perry and Aria has distinct voices and the pain going on inside their heads is all too real. The side characters are well rounded and create the perfect counterparts to our mains. Roar is by far my favourite. He is hilarious one second, but dark the next. He'll do anything for the woman he loves, Liv, and when he finally sees her again, he is ruined. Even the other tribe members break through the pages and demand attention in every scene. The small moments where we see members of the pod bring on a completely different world, reminding us how different the dwellers and savages are. There is no way that Into the Still Blue will disappoint at all. In fact, I'm sure it will be the best of series. Now all I have to do is wait. 

Novellas: A Perfect Companion

Novellas have to easily be my favourite extras to a series. They give the author a chance to dive back into their world in a new way. Most of the time the novellas are told from a different viewpoint and it gives us, the readers, the chance to see into the minds of other characters we love. It also makes the year long wait for the next instalment a bit more bearable.

Here are some of my favourite short stories. (All have been read in E book format as that is usually the only way they are available.)

Reaper by Rachel Vincent (Soul Screamers): Told from Tod's point of view and taking place before the actual series starts, we get the back story that changes everything. This was the turning point for me where my love for Tod became too much to hide.

Hana by Lauren Oliver (Delirium): Who wouldn't want to know what went through Lena's best friend Hana's mind during Delirium? Hana has been excited or the cure, desperate to stop the disease, but she soon discovers how intriguing love can be. Hana's adventures are just as intense as Lena's and we get to see another side to this emotional story.

Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa (The Iron Fey): As much as I love Ash, Puck's story was so much fun to read. His quirks and puns make him so loveable and it's certainly interesting in this guy's head.

Never To Sleep by Rachel Vincent (Soul Screamers): Okay, I just love everything Rachel Vincent writes and she has made me like evil Sophie. She gets a real taste of what Kaylee goes through on a regular basis and it helps her understand her cousin a little better. There was no way I could hate her after reading her story.







And a few that I can't wait to read:

Breathless by Sophie Jordan (Firelight) A love story about Az, Jacinda's best friend, involving her falling in love with a human? Um, yes please!

Roar And Liv by Veronica Rossi (Under The Never Sky): Back stories are my favourite. You get to learn so much about characters and see them in a whole new light. I can't wait to read the love story between two of the minor characters in Under The Never Sky.

Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me): Even though I'm not a huge fan of Warner, I'm still curious to hear his story.

The Legacies by Pittacus Lore (Lorien Legacies): Though I still haven't picked up The Rise Of Nine, I'm still very interested in this series and would love to read about the other legacies.

38. Under The Never Sky

Book #38: Under The Never Sky
Author: Veronica Rossi
Published: February 7, 2012
376 Pages
4 Gold Stars

(summary from Goodreads)

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.


I love finding new dystopians to add to my ever expanding collection. I give them high expectations, hoping for The Hunger Games or Divergent qualities. Under The Never Sky shows promise at being one of my favourites, but I think I'll need to read all three of them to know for sure.


I immediately fell in love with the premise. It not only felt dystopian, with the outside world constantly in danger from Aether storms, but there was also a great sci-fi element added. Those who could afford to live inside, live in pods where they can go into realms and live as though there is no danger out of the walls. They don't really know what's happening outside. They've been taught that anyone who lives out there is a Savage, dangerous and uneducated. Aria never expects to meet one. She lives her life comfortably, singing operas in realms and living any life she wants. But when her mom goes missing and she takes a chance at getting information, she ends up outside alone with nowhere to hide. Desperate to find cover from the Aether, she decides that she will find her way back home to save her mom. But when Perry comes into the picture, a Savage that proves everything she knows about them is wrong, they may just have to pair up in order to get the answers to all their questions.


Romance is the central theme here and I'm a sucker for it. Surrounded by danger, cannibals and the storm, Aria and Perry find a way to trust each other. Away from the ones they love, they find new ways to live, to love. The story is told from two different point of views, both third person, but both with distinct descriptions. You see how alike Aria and Perry are and that the only thing that separates them are the walls built around the pods. The Savages have developed in the the ways no one in the pods ever could. Heightened senses give them the ability to survive in the wilderness. Perry can see well in the dark and also read people's emotions. You soon realize that being an Outsider is much more complicated than living in the pods. There are tribes and rules and Aria does not fit into any of it. 


I think I would have connected with both Aria and Perry more if it had been written in first person. I'm forever a fan of this viewpoint because it leaves room to show emotions and thoughts that no one would see save for the narrator. Rossi does a good job with this even in third person, but I think it would have been much stronger told through the eyes of both Aria and Perry. They are both so different, raised in separate ways and born to different rules. They think different and see the world in their own ways. The viewpoints would have both been strong and stand all. I know there would be no doubt as to who was talking, so I wish this had been brought into the story. 


Death looms around every corner. I wanted to know what Aria and Perry would run into next and how well they would prove against it. Aria is fierce even though she's lived in a cage. Rossi does not tell us why the Aether came or how the pods came to be, but somehow it doesn't really matter. She sets the mood, sets the pace, and keeps you on the edge of your seat. A true Romeo and Juliet tale, this book will leave you wanting more.


“There are other things I'd rather do when I'm alone with you."
Time to step off the edge. "Then do them.”