Book Review: Through The Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Title: Through The Ever Night
Author(s): Veronica Rossi
Genre(s): Dystopia, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Publisher/Date: HarperCollins / January 8, 2013
Series: Under The Never Sky (Book #2)

"He was nineteen, but he seemed older than her friends in Reverie. How many of her friends had been through what he had? How many hundreds of people to look after? None. They came from totally different worlds. Aether, she thought. That was the only thing Dwellers and Outsiders had in common. It threatened them both." -Aria

Warning: This review may contain spoilers concerning Under The Never Sky.

 

Case Study

It seemed like an eternity since Aria and Perry first met and it's been months since they were forced apart. Now that they're about to be reunited, the growing threat of Aether sets them each on an urgent mission: find the Still Blue. It's rumoured that the Still Blue is the only place left on Earth that hasn't been ravaged by the worsening Aether storms. Unfortunately, this daunting task will put them at odds against one another. As Blood Lord of the Tides, it's Perry's duty to find a safe place for the tribe to call home. Aria's goal, on the other hand, is to deliver the location of the Still Blue to the Dwellers in exchange for Talon's life.

As Perry and Aria struggle to find this unravaged land together, the Tides distrust of the former Dweller makes their task virtually impossible. Perry starts to wonder, does he choose what's best for his people or what's best for the girl he loves? Mounting mistrust, attacks from an outside enemy, jealousy and temptation threaten them all as the situation turns deadly. Now it's Aria's turn to make a critical decision that could change things for them all. Can their love stand strong and will they all survive to live another day through the Ever Night?

The Game's Afoot

Though I hate to admit it, Under The Never Sky didn't quite have me at hello. But Rossi's scintillating sci-fi universe and loveable characters eventually sucked me in and now I'm happy to call myself a bona fide fan. And good as Through The Ever Night was, I'm thrilled to report that it's even better than its predecessor! The sequel starts a few months after the first one ends and we get to see just how much the characters have grown in the months following their separation. Through The Ever Night offers more depth and detail into the characters, their world, special "talents" as well as their growing predicaments. The stakes are even higher in this book and Rossi isn't afraid to be bold. A lot of good people die and we're left questioning the motivations of some of our favourite characters. There were many moments where I was on the edge of my seat, too amped up to stop turning the page. Authors, take note: THIS is how you avoid the dreaded and oft-had Sequel Suck Syndrome!

One of my favourite things about Under The Never Sky was watching Aria's evolution from a helpless Dweller to a strong, independent woman. By now, Aria's done a complete 180 and she's comfortable in her own skin. Where before she was weak and clumsy, she's now powerful, self-assured and confident. Her biggest challenge in this book is finding out where she belongs and I think a lot of us can identify with that struggle, in a way.

"She's a mole, Perry! One of them. That's all anyone's going to see." (p.11) 

What's so amazing is that Aria handles being an outcast with dignity, despite the harshest kind of ostricization from the rest of the Tides and it shows just how much she's changed. She pretty much carries Perry and Roar in this book where before they were carrying her. The stark contrast to her former self is pretty incredible. 

And where Aria made the biggest leap in Book #1, Perry did here. His journey as a leader isn't an easy one by any means and he has a lot to prove, especially after bringing Aria back to the tribe. They have to downplay the extent of their relationship because his people are riddled with mistrust and fear while their land is being attacked by outside forces and Aether alike. Perry has to fight to prove himself a capable leader and struggles to right the wrongs caused by his brother's betrayal. To the Tides, fealty is not assumed when you become Blood Lord, it's earned and Perry has his fair share of obstacles to overcome. There's a realism behind the tenuous relationship of leader and follower and, as a history buff, I appreciated the fractioning within the tribe. For a second, I wondered if the strong, fearless Perry I knew in Book #1 was gone for good but thankfully he managed to overcome adversity and it didn't break him. His arc from tribe member to Blood Lord was a gratifying one, hard as it was to watch.

Through The Ever Night was a rollercoaster of ups and downs as the characters try to find themselves and their way to the Still Blue. Everyone has their own agenda and the tension brought about from trying to figure out the characters motives will keep you wanting to know more. It was interesting to see where Rossi took many of the characters --- some went to very dark places and others whom we presumed were bad, turned out to be not-so-bad afterall. But I do have to say, my heart broke particularly for Roar in this book. I loved how the final bit of action segwayed into this nearly perfect ending, leaving me in shock and awe and ready for the battle to come. Utter perfection.

 

Summary Prognosis

It's not often I come across a sequel that's superior to its predecessor, but Rossi has done it in Through The Ever Night. This book exceeded my expectations and was a total rollercoaster of ups and downs. There was action aplenty, adventure, lust, death, love and danger --- it was everything I hoped for and more. The final installment can't come quick enough!


Rating: ★★★★★


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