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A review by mollywetta
Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi
4.0
this review and more at wrapped up in books
I read Under the Never Sky in January, and my only complaints were the terrible pacing and the unresolved ending, which fortunately, did not plague the sequel. While this book lacked some of the magic of the first (no crazy cannibals or sexy berry scenes) it was a well-plotted and energetic sequel that avoided the second book slump so often found in series. With an excellent balance between action and character development, this series continues to be a stand-out in a crowded field of young adult post-apocalyptic sci-fi/fantasy.
WORLD-BUILDING and PLOT
I’m trying to keep this review relatively spoiler-free, so forgive me if this is vague. The outstanding world-building Rossi delivered in Under the Never Sky continues in Through the Ever Night. This installment further develops the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ of this post-apocalyptic world on the brink of even further disaster, and further increases the stakes. While some series feel as if they are unnecessarily stretched out, each chapter of this book is critical to the over all story; there’s no fluff stuffed in here to fill it out. Chocked full of action and plot twists, this book is hard to put down and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I’m anxious to find out how this series concludes in Into the Still Blue but feel like Through the Ever Night ended at an appropriate point. This sequel is executed well.
CHARACTERS
I continued to be surprised by how much I cared about all of the secondary characters in this series. Of course there is Roar and Liv, whose tragic love was heart-wrenching. I was as invested in their fate as Aria and Perry’s. Marron and Cinder prove they’re importance to the story, and I was pleased with how much of a role they play.
The subtle way that Rossi has constructed her villains is impressive. Even those who are operating contrary to Aria and Perry’s goals aren’t portrayed as simply evil—they are fighting to survive, too. I can sympathize and relate to them, even if I’m cheering for Aria and Perry!
ROMANCE
The strongest element of Under the Never Sky was the slowly burning romance between Peregrine and Aria, and it continues to be the most appealing aspect in the sequel, even though Aria and Perry spend the majority of the story apart. This separation made sense and wasn’t artificially angsty. I loved that Rossi challenged their relationship by presenting them with other romantic options to test their bond without doing a full blown love triangle. Their doubts and struggles felt believable without being overly dramatic. The very real and immediate threats of their environment and their obligations to others takes precedent over their romance, and it makes it all the more satisfying. I’m completely invested in their relationship.
In the Still Blue is at the top of my 2014 to-read list. This is a series not to be missed.
I read Under the Never Sky in January, and my only complaints were the terrible pacing and the unresolved ending, which fortunately, did not plague the sequel. While this book lacked some of the magic of the first (no crazy cannibals or sexy berry scenes) it was a well-plotted and energetic sequel that avoided the second book slump so often found in series. With an excellent balance between action and character development, this series continues to be a stand-out in a crowded field of young adult post-apocalyptic sci-fi/fantasy.
WORLD-BUILDING and PLOT
I’m trying to keep this review relatively spoiler-free, so forgive me if this is vague. The outstanding world-building Rossi delivered in Under the Never Sky continues in Through the Ever Night. This installment further develops the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ of this post-apocalyptic world on the brink of even further disaster, and further increases the stakes. While some series feel as if they are unnecessarily stretched out, each chapter of this book is critical to the over all story; there’s no fluff stuffed in here to fill it out. Chocked full of action and plot twists, this book is hard to put down and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I’m anxious to find out how this series concludes in Into the Still Blue but feel like Through the Ever Night ended at an appropriate point. This sequel is executed well.
CHARACTERS
I continued to be surprised by how much I cared about all of the secondary characters in this series. Of course there is Roar and Liv, whose tragic love was heart-wrenching. I was as invested in their fate as Aria and Perry’s. Marron and Cinder prove they’re importance to the story, and I was pleased with how much of a role they play.
The subtle way that Rossi has constructed her villains is impressive. Even those who are operating contrary to Aria and Perry’s goals aren’t portrayed as simply evil—they are fighting to survive, too. I can sympathize and relate to them, even if I’m cheering for Aria and Perry!
ROMANCE
The strongest element of Under the Never Sky was the slowly burning romance between Peregrine and Aria, and it continues to be the most appealing aspect in the sequel, even though Aria and Perry spend the majority of the story apart. This separation made sense and wasn’t artificially angsty. I loved that Rossi challenged their relationship by presenting them with other romantic options to test their bond without doing a full blown love triangle. Their doubts and struggles felt believable without being overly dramatic. The very real and immediate threats of their environment and their obligations to others takes precedent over their romance, and it makes it all the more satisfying. I’m completely invested in their relationship.
In the Still Blue is at the top of my 2014 to-read list. This is a series not to be missed.