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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
Under the Never Sky was the first book I reviewed this year, so it seems only fitting that Into the Still Blue should be my last review of 2013. I can’t believe I only started this series a year ago - it feels like I’ve been waiting forever for the conclusion, but Into the Still Blue was definitely worth the wait.
As I said in my review of book one, Veronica Rossi has redeemed what I like to call “watered down dystopian YA”. Sure, Under the Never Sky is an easily recognisable, predictable story and it fits right in with the current trend in post-apocalyptic YA, but Rossi doesn’t rely on the usual dystopian tropes - there’s no totalitarian government ruling over Rossi’s wasteland, no ‘Mockingjay’ figure, no painfully contrived political metaphors for our own world, no even-more-painfully-contrived love triangle. In fact, Under the Never Sky can only barely be called a dystopia (I’d label it a post-apocalyptic adventure with a few dystopian elements thrown in). This series is everything I’ve been looking for in the endless stream of same-ish post-apocalyptic YA - a futuristic, fast-paced adventure with an interesting twist, that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
It’s hard to review Into the Still Blue without giving anything away. The title itself is one massive spoiler, but fans of the series might still be surprised by some of the decisions Rossi makes. I found the first half of Into the Still Blue much slower-paced than the first book of the series - the Tides’ journey to the Still Blue mostly involved sitting in caves, waiting - but thankfully, the pace picked up and the conclusion was worth getting to. I was slightly disappointed by the last few chapters on my first read through - I found the ending rather abrupt and too neat to really be believable. But that could be my love for Aria, Perry and the rest of Rossi’s cast of characters talking - I just want more, and the ending seems too perfect an opportunity to waste!
I’m sad to see this series come to an end, but I can’t wait to see what Rossi writes next. Many thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss for providing a copy of Into the Still Blue in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher: HarperCollins
Rating: 4 stars | ★★★★✰
Review cross-posted to Paperback'd
As I said in my review of book one, Veronica Rossi has redeemed what I like to call “watered down dystopian YA”. Sure, Under the Never Sky is an easily recognisable, predictable story and it fits right in with the current trend in post-apocalyptic YA, but Rossi doesn’t rely on the usual dystopian tropes - there’s no totalitarian government ruling over Rossi’s wasteland, no ‘Mockingjay’ figure, no painfully contrived political metaphors for our own world, no even-more-painfully-contrived love triangle. In fact, Under the Never Sky can only barely be called a dystopia (I’d label it a post-apocalyptic adventure with a few dystopian elements thrown in). This series is everything I’ve been looking for in the endless stream of same-ish post-apocalyptic YA - a futuristic, fast-paced adventure with an interesting twist, that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
It’s hard to review Into the Still Blue without giving anything away. The title itself is one massive spoiler, but fans of the series might still be surprised by some of the decisions Rossi makes. I found the first half of Into the Still Blue much slower-paced than the first book of the series - the Tides’ journey to the Still Blue mostly involved sitting in caves, waiting - but thankfully, the pace picked up and the conclusion was worth getting to. I was slightly disappointed by the last few chapters on my first read through - I found the ending rather abrupt and too neat to really be believable. But that could be my love for Aria, Perry and the rest of Rossi’s cast of characters talking - I just want more, and the ending seems too perfect an opportunity to waste!
I’m sad to see this series come to an end, but I can’t wait to see what Rossi writes next. Many thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss for providing a copy of Into the Still Blue in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher: HarperCollins
Rating: 4 stars | ★★★★✰
Review cross-posted to Paperback'd
There were a lot of twists and turns and I really didn't want it to end. It was a wonderful end to a very interesting story. I also loved that it was a true trilogy although it really could have kept going.
this ending was GREAT and VERY SATISFYING
im just
dang
that was exciting from start to finish
im just
dang
that was exciting from start to finish
Decent 3rd book. I feel like this series stayed consistent all the way through. (not like the disappointment of the Matched series). I do feel like this third installment was a little slow compared to the other two, but it ended well.
Great series overall.
Great series overall.
MY OPINION: *****
OK, I have to be honest.
The first book of this series was really good, and I enjoyed reading it. I thought that it had a nice sense of power for readers. The second book was even better than the first, what with its amazing literary flow of words compacted into one.
But I just have to say one thing: the last book surpassed it all.
I think that this book was just plain AMAZING. I know I say it about mostly all of the books I review, but this book literally changed how I thought about the whole series. I must say, I didn't really enjoy the first two books, and I was almost about to drop the series, until my friend begged me to keep reading it with her (we are in a book club together, and she was really enjoying it). So I followed her advice.
This book had an amazing ending. Sure, it was kind of predictable, but it had a true meaning behind it.
In my opinion, the message of this book is love conquers all. I apologize to all who disagree, but there is lots of evidence. Perry and Aria go through many problems, but both of them find that focusing on each other can help them pull through in the end. Sometimes, you have to make sacrifices (Cinder dies, but saves the rest of the people) but if you have someone to rely on, you can find a way to survive through it. LOVE CONQUERS ALL.
I felt really bad for Roar. He didn't end up with anyone at the end. I feel like it is so unfair for him to be lonely, but he didn't have a true written ending. Perhaps we can just imagine that he ends up with somebody. Roar is still my favorite character, and I just feel like he is so brave and strong, despite all that he has been through.
SPOILER ALERT
Cinder dies. I can't say how much this hurt, but I guess it was to be expected. He died a savior though. He saved everyone from the terrible Aether storms. His age was never truly given, I don't think, but he was so young.
Reef dies. NOOOOOO. It is so sad. Despite his indifference to Aria, Reef was so loyal and amazing. That is definitely not what I expected to happen. I actually was taken by surprise, but now, looking back, I can see why Sable did it.
Sable dies. Finally. I know that it is so rude, but he was a villain. He was power-hungry and cruel. His own men were afraid of him!
Hess dies. It is so sad, also. I did expect his death, though, because I knew that Sable was going to find out about Hess's betrayal.
LASTLY, and this is definitely the most important, Aria finds her dad! I TOTALLY CALLED THAT! I even wrote a note on the page, and wrote down that her dad was going to be Loran, and it happened. I was so proud of that achievement. Loran was an amazing person, and his ending actually suited the story. I can also understand why Aria was so mad at him. I mean, he ABANDONED her, but for good reason, as you will see when you get there. :)
Soren had a good life in the end, I guess. I really cannot see him with Brooke. She is so fierce, and he is so un-fierce, I guess (I do know that un-fierce isn't a word, but nothing else works). But I'm happy that Soren had a good life, though I do see Brooke with Roar. Soren did redeem himself, and I guess that that is all that actually matters.
This was an amazing conclusion. I really wish it didn't have to end :(
I would recommend it to all readers who enjoy romance and action all mixed into one amazing adventure. Please comment and follow!
Main Character: Aria and Perry
Sidekick(s): Roar, Cinder, Talon, Soren, Brooke, Reef, the Six, etc
Villain(s): Sable, power, etc
Dystopian/Fantasy Elements: Realistic world, but unrealistic elements, such as the Aether.
I do plan to write a real review on this book. On my blog.
Please read it here on iRead. www.iread2016.blogspot.com
Here is a mini-review, but I encourage you to read my more detailed review on iRead.
Into the Still Blue had a good plotline and realistic characters. Some parts of the book was predictable, but I won't say which because of spoilers, and I really want you guys to find out for yourself! Also, I think that Aria has really matured a lot in this book and changed. Perry also has changed; he is less rash and more willing to cut back on the violence.
I think that the main idea of this book was that love conquers all. Sometimes you have to make some sacrifices, but most of the time, if you have someone to rely on, you can find a way to survive and get through the hard times.
I would recommend this book to people who are fans of romance and action packed into one big debut.
OK, I have to be honest.
The first book of this series was really good, and I enjoyed reading it. I thought that it had a nice sense of power for readers. The second book was even better than the first, what with its amazing literary flow of words compacted into one.
But I just have to say one thing: the last book surpassed it all.
I think that this book was just plain AMAZING. I know I say it about mostly all of the books I review, but this book literally changed how I thought about the whole series. I must say, I didn't really enjoy the first two books, and I was almost about to drop the series, until my friend begged me to keep reading it with her (we are in a book club together, and she was really enjoying it). So I followed her advice.
This book had an amazing ending. Sure, it was kind of predictable, but it had a true meaning behind it.
In my opinion, the message of this book is love conquers all. I apologize to all who disagree, but there is lots of evidence. Perry and Aria go through many problems, but both of them find that focusing on each other can help them pull through in the end. Sometimes, you have to make sacrifices (Cinder dies, but saves the rest of the people) but if you have someone to rely on, you can find a way to survive through it. LOVE CONQUERS ALL.
I felt really bad for Roar. He didn't end up with anyone at the end. I feel like it is so unfair for him to be lonely, but he didn't have a true written ending. Perhaps we can just imagine that he ends up with somebody. Roar is still my favorite character, and I just feel like he is so brave and strong, despite all that he has been through.
SPOILER ALERT
Cinder dies. I can't say how much this hurt, but I guess it was to be expected. He died a savior though. He saved everyone from the terrible Aether storms. His age was never truly given, I don't think, but he was so young.
Reef dies. NOOOOOO. It is so sad. Despite his indifference to Aria, Reef was so loyal and amazing. That is definitely not what I expected to happen. I actually was taken by surprise, but now, looking back, I can see why Sable did it.
Sable dies. Finally. I know that it is so rude, but he was a villain. He was power-hungry and cruel. His own men were afraid of him!
Hess dies. It is so sad, also. I did expect his death, though, because I knew that Sable was going to find out about Hess's betrayal.
LASTLY, and this is definitely the most important, Aria finds her dad! I TOTALLY CALLED THAT! I even wrote a note on the page, and wrote down that her dad was going to be Loran, and it happened. I was so proud of that achievement. Loran was an amazing person, and his ending actually suited the story. I can also understand why Aria was so mad at him. I mean, he ABANDONED her, but for good reason, as you will see when you get there. :)
Soren had a good life in the end, I guess. I really cannot see him with Brooke. She is so fierce, and he is so un-fierce, I guess (I do know that un-fierce isn't a word, but nothing else works). But I'm happy that Soren had a good life, though I do see Brooke with Roar. Soren did redeem himself, and I guess that that is all that actually matters.
This was an amazing conclusion. I really wish it didn't have to end :(
I would recommend it to all readers who enjoy romance and action all mixed into one amazing adventure. Please comment and follow!
Main Character: Aria and Perry
Sidekick(s): Roar, Cinder, Talon, Soren, Brooke, Reef, the Six, etc
Villain(s): Sable, power, etc
Dystopian/Fantasy Elements: Realistic world, but unrealistic elements, such as the Aether.
I do plan to write a real review on this book. On my blog.
Please read it here on iRead. www.iread2016.blogspot.com
Here is a mini-review, but I encourage you to read my more detailed review on iRead.
Into the Still Blue had a good plotline and realistic characters. Some parts of the book was predictable, but I won't say which because of spoilers, and I really want you guys to find out for yourself! Also, I think that Aria has really matured a lot in this book and changed. Perry also has changed; he is less rash and more willing to cut back on the violence.
I think that the main idea of this book was that love conquers all. Sometimes you have to make some sacrifices, but most of the time, if you have someone to rely on, you can find a way to survive and get through the hard times.
I would recommend this book to people who are fans of romance and action packed into one big debut.
*Note: all the teasers we provide are from the Advanced Readers Copy of the book and may be subjected to changes upon publishing.
(Update: 01/06/'14)
He leaned down, bracing his arms on either side of her, his lips soft as they kissed a trail from her mouth to her ear. “What I was trying to say,” he whispered, “is that I see you in everything. There isn’t a word for you that means enough, because you’re everything to me.”
“Perfect words,” she said, her smile wobbling with emotion. “Magical.”
He looked into her eyes, flashing a proud grin. “Yeah?...read the rest on the bog
(Update: 12/13/'13)
...
They came to a door flanked by Horn soldiers.
“Ten minutes,” Loran told them. “No one comes in that room.”
One of the men by the door nodded. “Yes, sir.”
Loran’s gaze flicked to Aria, his eyebrows knitting together. She saw dread and anticipation in his expression, and horrible thoughts crashed into her mind.
Until that moment, she hadn’t been afraid of him. Now she realized how naive she’d been. Loran had shown unusual interest in her the first time he’d seen her. She’d been aware of him because she’d sensed his awareness of her. She looked from the door to him, fear turning her to stone and rendering her mute.
...
-----------------
-after reading- (Update: 12/05/'13)
Oh my.. that conclusion... it felt like rainbow after rainstorm!
------------------
(Update: 12/03/'13)
Five Things That Might Surprise You About INTO THE STILL BLUE!
1. It was the fastest book of the trilogy to draft. (Revising is another matter.)
2. Roar has a tattoo along his arm/shoulder and you get to see it. (And I believe you will very much enjoy seeing it.)
3. Soren.
4. One (or more) main characters might be captured and imprisoned by the bad guys. Maybe.
5. I rewrote the last chapter more than any scene in the entire novel until I was finally, finally perfectly happy with it.
*(on Epic Reads's BLOG)
Veronica reads a scene from Into The Steel Blue on Epic Reads live chat (a sexy scene!!) - watch the video: HERE
...
“I know. I know that now. It hurt both of us, but we got through it. And we’re not damaged because of it. We’re stronger.”
“We are?”
“Sure. Look at us. We’re surviving our first fight . . . or second.”
Aria rolled her eyes. “This isn’t a fight and neither was yesterday.”
He smiled. “Now you’re scaring me.”
She laughed. It was a sparkling sound. A burst of brightness in the quiet of the woods. For the first time since he’d seen her running toward him, he relaxed.
Aria still held her hand against her stomach. He wanted to take it and kiss each one of her fingers, but he didn’t want to chance making her feel worse about her injury. He stepped around her.
“Perry, what are you—”
He held her shoulders, keeping her from turning. “Trust me.”... Read the rest of this scene on the Blog
*(the rest of the live chat: HERE)
(Update: 07/09/'13)
Small Teaser:
Peregrine has a falcon tattoo across his back, but did you guys know that Roar has a Marking too?
You'll see it in INTO THE STILL BLUE. Which may or may not mean that Roar takes his shirt off.
Heeeee.
-Author, out.-
--------------
(Update: 06/20/'13)
THE FIRST THREE CHAPTERS!!! + the cover of the US edition...
* on EWeekly
--------------
(Update: 04/23/'13)
Teaser:
He squeezed the trigger.
Nothing.
Safety switch--something he never had to consider with a bow. He flipped it, pressed the trigger again, and didn't miss.
--------------
Snippet:
“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.
- on Veronica Rossi's blog
Sigh. I loved Under the Never Sky. But, if I'm not in tears by the end of a series, I'm disappointed. I had trouble getting into this one. I thought maybe it was because the Aria and Perry were already back together. But, it just moved slowly. And the end was nice, but underwhelming. It just didn't stir my heartstrings!
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I don't have any words other than...book hangover. I am sad to see the series go, but I love all that the plot unraveled and accomplished. I loved this story and would find myself thinking about it when I wasn't reading. Although it didn't completely obsess and overwhelm. I liked the new alliances and the twists and turns, but mostly that the characters stayed true to themselves and weren't overdone. Love. Need to cry now.
So, I liked this book fairly well, but where the second book was pretty languidly paced this was sometimes like "woah where are we now?"
And I also was pretty skeptical about the logistics of the final journey. Like what provisions did they have? Shelter? Did they have a plan for if there was no land on the other side? How did they fuel the hovercrafts? Maybe I was just letting my inner event planner get in the way.
Overall it tied up pretty neatly, without too many loose ends, which I greatly appreciate.
And I also was pretty skeptical about the logistics of the final journey. Like what provisions did they have? Shelter? Did they have a plan for if there was no land on the other side? How did they fuel the hovercrafts? Maybe I was just letting my inner event planner get in the way.
Overall it tied up pretty neatly, without too many loose ends, which I greatly appreciate.