Note: Spoiler warning if you haven’t read Under the Never Sky. This is relatively spoiler-free for Through the Ever Night. Proceed with caution.
A year ago, I read Veronica Rossi’s debut YA novel, Under the Never Sky, and loved it. It was packed with adventure and romance, all quite sweeping, and it left me longing for the next installment in Aria and Perry’s story. Through the Ever Night begins with those two finally reuniting, although things are tense between them. The Tides aren’t welcoming of Aria. She’s a Dweller to them, and her association with Perry, their new Blood Lord, is unsettling to them. In addition, life is getting harder for the Tides. The Aether attacks are more frequent and damaging, and there are the threats of being invaded by other tribes. While Perry is trying to keep composure, take care of his tribe and find the Still Blue, which may end up being their salvation, Aria decides to take some action of her own, without Perry knowing. Each embarks on their own small journey and missions.
Through the Ever Night is less momentous and rousing than Under the Never Sky. In the first book, we’re discovering this world, and with the sequel, we already know it well, which kind of turns down the excitement a little. However, I still found the sequel as enjoyable as the first book, and that was in thanks to Rossi’s solid and lovable characters. I love Aria, Perry and Roar. While I think this part of their story was kind of dull, experiencing it through them was interesting. The camaraderie and friendship between Aria and Roar is delightful and not shallow. They care for each other in a genuine and platonic way. The reader doesn’t have to worry about the author turning the romance into a love triangle. Even though Aria with Roar is sweet, her moments with Perry, far too few in this book unfortunately, are as electric and sizzling as the Aether. Their romance is one of the most rewarding ones to read right now in YA literature.
Despite the fact that we get to know and love our favorite characters, as well as others, a little more, the plot suffers a bit. Now, it’s not bad, but I wish more stuff was going on. Perry is stuck caring for the Tides, which is his duty, but it was boring, with a couple moments of excitement sprinkled in. Sure, we get to see Perry finally become and act like the Blood Lord he and everyone else wants him to be, but the road to that could’ve been more invigorating. As for Aria and Roar’s little journey, that was much more interesting. I found myself getting through Perry’s chapter to just get to Aria’s for most of the book. Luckily, the end brought back action and thrills, reminding me why I loved this series.
Through the Ever Night does a great job of setting us up for that final installment, which we probably have to wait another year to devour. I have no doubt that Into the Still Blue will be even more exciting and rousing than the first book. Through the Ever Night was a good read; I just wish that Rossi wouldn’t have spent so much time with set-up and just let more things… happen. Still, I found it to be brisk read, thanks to Perry and Aria’s alternating viewpoints. It may not be as momentous as Under the Never Sky, but it’s still a more-than-worthy sequel to it.
Rating: 8/10 ★★★★★★★★
Did ya hear? Under the Never Sky might become a movie! Learn more about it here!
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Book Info:
- Publisher: Harper (January 8, 2013)
- Length: 352 pages (Hardcover)
- Series: Book 2 of Under the Never Sky Trilogy
- Source: ARC (Provided to me by the publisher)
- Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Adventure, Dystopia, Science Fiction
- Completed: January 2013
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