I swear I won't keep being so lame. For now, enjoy the review. This is a book you don't want to miss. Also, be sure to enter to win a Signed Hardcover of UNDER THE NEVER SKY. Giveaway is at the bottom of the post.
P.S. Major congratulations goes out to TARYN ALBRIGHT! My newest agent sister, recently signed with Vickie Motter of Andrea Hurst Literary Management. Congratulations, Taryn!! So happy to have you on Vickie's team. Taryn has the best agent signing story. Be sure to check it out here and wish her congratulations.
P.P.S. *squeeze* Thanks for stopping by.
UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi
Goodreads Summary: 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.
MY REVIEW:
I've always been able to read and love books of pretty much every genre. I'm lucky like that. But I have a special fondness for high action and thrillerish, yet thoughtful romantic stories. That's my favorite kind of story, though difficult to find. So I was beyond excited when I first heard about UNDER THE NEVER SKY. It felt tailor-made just for me. Which is exactly why I was so nervous to read it. (That, and I really like the author). I get so worked up to love a book sometimes that if it turns out to be not-so-hot the disappointment is often greater than if I'd had no expectations.
But I can tell you UNDER THE NEVER SKY more than met my expectations. The very first scene drops you into the middle of action and then pulls you into the story with characters that feel genuine and loveable, even when (or perhaps because) they're still so raw and uncomfortable in their new circumstances. You never stop rooting for them. And as they grow and discover themselves and each other, you sort of fall for them, cringing when they encounter difficult or scary situations--and there are many of them. But it's not just fear these characters (and thus, the readers) face. Rossi writes beautifully with such passion and emotional complexity readers will be drawn into the hearts and longings of the characters as much as the vivid, imaginative world she's created under the Never Sky.
Aria is a complex character who discovers more than just a world outside of the protected dome of Reverie. She discovers the person she can be when all pretense is stripped away. She discovers the ability to love and be loved, and the freedom and joy in losing control. With intense, at times lyrical language and rich imagery, Rossi reveals to us a savage sort of innocence in the brutal reality outside of the dome--essential truth that was once hidden within the artificial, corruptive conveniences of modernity. It's an interesting mix of contradictions you don't question so much as embrace as you begin to ask yourself who you might be if you were dispossessed of your own world.
Of course, there is the romance, too.
This is the point where I sigh and sigh and sigh. And fan myself a little.
Aria and Perry are a memorable couple with the kind of chemistry that sets the pages on fire. I'm not really the type to swoon over a hot young dude in a YA novel (hello, I'm old), but I fall like a sucker over a hot romance. But theirs isn't just a lusty thing, you know? Or even one of those love at first sight sort of stories. Just the opposite. Theirs is an organic pairing born out of hardship. They're forced to work together, fairly loathing one another, and somehow, by the end, it's like...yes yes yes.
Damn, I love that. UNDER THE NEVER SKY is a work of art that will inspire a range of emotions as well as thoughts. But above all, it will keep you reading until you whip through to the end, and then you'll likely curse Veronica Rossi a little for not having the sequel out already.
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CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN!!!!!!
Thanks so much for entering!
THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW CLOSED.
Winner posted below.
HAVE A NICE DAY.
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The winner of the signed hardcover of UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi is:
Britney W.
Want to win a signed hardcover of UNDER THE NEVER SKY? I've got one. And I'll share with you. It's easy to enter. Just click the tiny link below.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN!!!!!!
This giveaway is international and ends Friday, March 2, 2012 midnight EST. You must be 13 years old to enter. If you win, you will need to provide an address for shipment. Under 18's must have parent/guardian permission to enter.
THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW CLOSED.
Winner posted below.
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Be sure to check out what the other Bookanistas are highlighting today!
Christine Fonseca interviews author L.K. Gardner-Griffie
Jessica Love shares some TIME BETWEEN US cover talk
Tracy Banghart jumps for CATCHING JORDAN
Stasia Ward Kehoe contemplates middle grade series
LiLa Roecker is enthralled with THE NIGHT CIRCUS
Shelli Johannes-Wells visits with author Elle Strauss
HAVE A NICE DAY.
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The winner of the signed hardcover of UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi is:
Britney W.
Congratulations, Britney! Thanks so much for entering. Please email me an address to which I can send your signed hardcover.
Thanks to all who entered! A new giveaway will be posting soon.
Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI so loved this book too. One of my favorite dystopians this year. I'm not entering your giveaway because I'm also giving it away at Literary Rambles. Thanks for sharing your copy with others too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway :D
ReplyDeleteOh! I'm really excited to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for great giweaway. Book looks great.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThis one's been on my Goodreads "To Read" list for a while now.
ReplyDelete*fingers crossed*
I am dying to read this one. Eep!
ReplyDeleteGreat review, can't wait to read it. My goal for 2012 is to read a LOT more YA. P.S. I LOVE your blog design! :)
ReplyDeleteI think I should start a new hobby, collecting book covers! So many amazing books, so many amazing covers! Thanks for another amazing giveaway, woot!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this awesome giveaway! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the international giveaway, I've read great things about this one.
ReplyDeleteUnder the Never Sky is really a great read! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI am in serious want of this book. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this book, I've heard such wonderful things about it! And I'll have to go check out Taryn's post. Congrats to her!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! This book sounds so good. I'd love to read it. :]
ReplyDeleteYay for Taryn!
ReplyDeleteAwesome review as always, Carol. I've heard nothing but amazing things about UNDER THE NEVER SKY. I clearly need to get my hands on it right away. Thanks for the opportunity to win it!
I thought this book was a pretty good read, too! It was fun and exciting, and the romance was nice and gradual, which I love. Plus it was a dystopian with paranormal elements, so that's a win-win.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to everyone who enters!
Thanks for the giveaway - this book sounds awesome!
ReplyDeleteAwesome giveaway, thank you. I've heard amazing things about this book, can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteThis book has been sitting on my to-read table since it launched! Can't wait to read it: it's my "carrot on the stick" to get me to finish my dang WIP!
ReplyDeleteooh, new giveaway. i´m in! :D thx :))
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I really like the sound of Under the Never Sky.
ReplyDeleteSafari Poet
THANK YOU!! Thank you so much for the giveaway! I would love to read Under The Never Sky! :D
ReplyDeleteu made the book sound so amazing... i'm curious to read it for myself :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughtful review, and the giveaway opportunity!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a wonderful read :D Thank you for this opportunity (and for making it international :D)
ReplyDeleteThis one's sitting on my nightstand...I can't WAIT to read it!! Have heard such amazing things about it. Thanks for the thoughtful review!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this internatinal giveaway!!!
ReplyDeleteThat title is so awesome! Color me jealous!
ReplyDeleteYeah I want to win a signed copy! Awesome giveaway. Thank you!
ReplyDeletethanks for the giveawy! so looking forward to reading this book. :)
ReplyDeleteThis review is so good it makes me want to be reading the sequel already...
ReplyDeleteSo I guess first I need to win this signed copy.
(Or okay I'll go buy the book sheesh.)
Because I, too, swoon over a hot romance. And also you are so not old.
This I know because I'm pretty sure you are younger than I am and yes yes yes forty is the new SOMETHING.
I just haven't figured out what that is quite yet.
No need to enter me, I own it, and I agree, it's good. :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck to those who entered.
I've heard a lot about this book. It sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteYay Taryn! :-D And thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI have had my eye on this one for awhile and I thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteWoot! Thank you for this amazing giveaway :) <3 I loved Under the Never Sky, and I would LOVE to win a signed copy of it. <33 :)
ReplyDeleteLove, Carina
Thanks for the giveaway! ;)
ReplyDeleteThe premise of this book is really interesting.
ReplyDeleteJai
I read the ARC of this book and absolutely loved it! I'd really like to have a copy of the finished book so I can see if anything is different:)
ReplyDeleteI am a little embarrassed to admits it but I am a cover girl and this one is lovely. I find the cover makes me pick it up and the synopsis pulls me in and yep I want to read it. Thank you for your review and awesome giveaway opportunity. I would love to read Under the Never Sky :) I am right with you on knowing the author and then being afraid to read the book and I am so glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI'm yet to read this book but I've heard nothing but lovely things about it! Thank you Carolina for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteRachel @ The Rest Is Still Unwritten
I gots to have it! : )
ReplyDeleteOh wow, this book sounds good! I'm the same way -- when I get really excited about a book and then am disappointed in it, it's the worse feeling in the world! (Well, maybe not the WORST, but you know what I mean.) This one sounds right up my alley, too. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
I love a good romance in my stories...
ReplyDeleteUTNS is patiently waiting for me on my Kindle. Now I'm more anxious than ever to get to it.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book so much. I think what I really loved was how it incorporated the two worlds and two story lines. It wasn't just one dystopian/futuristic land but two oposite ways of life that we got to see through the eyes of someone familiar with the place and someone new to it, which I think made it extra interesting. Plus, I thought the romance was really believable, especially Perry's worries.
ReplyDeleteit's on my wishlist but I'm a little behind and still haven't read it! would love to!
ReplyDeleteA little swooning over the guys in books (YA or not) is always good!
ReplyDelete- Jessica @ Book Sake
I have a copy, so no need to enter me--but OH how I enjoyed this book! The world building and the concept were SO unique. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review and for the giveaway. It seems a very interesting book.
ReplyDeleteJaz
I LOVE this book. Seriously. Fantastic review ;o) AND CONGRATS to Taryn!!! Whoooo!! <3<3
ReplyDeleteNo entry for me because I've read it, but I just wanted to chime in with a hearty AMEN. I adored this book. Like you, I was a teensy bit nervous, because it's right up my alley and Veronica is an agency sister of mine and all round gorgeous person, so of course something seemed like it had to go wrong. But on the contrary, I raced through it, and then friend or not, I totally cursed her out for not having a sequel ready! I've been telling everyone I know to grab a copy.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Taryn!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds fantastic - I'll definitely be adding this to my TBR list!
Congratulations, Taryn.
ReplyDeleteI want to read this book so badly!
Great review! I love the stories where they despise each other at first and then things change... it makes for such great tension :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the qiveaway :)
ReplyDeleteYo.
ReplyDeleteHey hon, I hope you're doing good. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThis is THE book of 2012 that I want to win
ReplyDelete