Last
October, I decided to get in the Halloween spirit and review YA books
with a spooky side. This year, I decided to embrace the fact I am an
epic wimp and review Veronica Rossi's Under the Never Sky
instead. Here's hoping the fact it has cannibals will make me sound
like less of a coward.
The
narration in this story switches between two characters living in a
world ravaged by mysterious and destructive “Aether”
firestorms. Aria was raised in a “Pod,” a self-contained,
domed city where life is safe from the Aether, but largely lived
through escaping into virtual worlds.
Perry
grew up on the outside, the brother of one of the many tribal leaders
struggling to survive against the harsh terrain and dangerous Aether.
When
their worlds reject them in different ways, Aria and Perry find
themselves unlikely allies on their quests for answers and
redemption. As their adventures force them to stretch and grow, the
pair find themselves growing together and forming a deep and
meaningful bond.
My
favorite part of this book is the way Rossi successfully uses the
science fiction and post-apocalyptic elements to further her
character development. Her world building is interesting, as are the
different powers the outsiders possess, but these elements are always
put in context of how they affect the characters' identity and their
relationships with others.
Some
authors get caught up in the concept behind the book and consequently
lose track of the characters and plot, but Rossi does not do this.
I
also love the case Rossi makes for living in the authentic world,
even if it is messier and more dangerous. Aria grows up in a largely
digital world where everything is possible, but nothing is dangerous.
Through her quest, she learns that although the real world involves
pain and loss, its beauties and joys are far superior and worth the
price.
My
biggest complaint about this book is its attitude towards sexuality.
I'm certainly not naive enough to claim this is the first YA book
where people have sex. That said, the attitude of this book seems to
be “of course you'd have sex with someone you've known for two
weeks, even if you think you'll never see each other again in a few
days. You love each other.”
I
strongly disagree with this mindset, and it fights against her
argument about the importance of living life solidly in reality.
However, there is nothing graphic about what is included.
There
are also some violent elements to this story. They are treated
seriously and the costs of such violence are considered, but they are
present.
Through
the Ever Night, the sequel to this book (which I have yet to
read), came out earlier this year. The final installment of the
trilogy, Into the Still Blue, will be released in January
2014.
Read
this book if:
You
want to dip your toes into science fiction without the book laying
it on too thick. There are some solidly science fiction themes and
elements in this book, but it is always kept in the context of how
they affect the characters.
You
wonder about the consequences of moving so much of your social life
into digital media — Rossi will give you some interesting
food for thought.
You've
embraced the current trend towards alternating narration in YA
books. The voices are unique and satisfying.
Erin
Cowles is a mother of two, living in the Washington D.C. suburbs.
Before motherhood, she used her masters in library and information
science in a law firm library. Now she uses it to find good books for
her family at her local public library. She teaches part time for a
SAT prep company, where she enjoys the challenge of making rather
dull subject matter interesting and making college a reality for her
students. During women's history month, she profiles Mormon women
that inspire her at ldswomenshistory.blogspot.com.
Erin
currently serves as a counselor in her ward's primary
presidency.