Author(s): Veronica Rossi
Genre(s): Dystopia, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Publisher/Date: HarperCollins / January 28, 2014
Series: Under The Never Sky (Book #3)
“We have to tell each other the little things, the bad things. Maybe they’ll hurt for a while, but at least they won’t become big things. If we don’t, we’re just going to keep hurting each other. And I don’t want to do that anymore.” -Aria
Warning: This review may contain spoilers
concerning Under The Never Sky & Through The Ever Night.
Case Study
Their love and their
leadership have been tested. Now it's time for Perry and Aria to unite
the Dwellers and the Outsiders in one last desperate attempt to bring
balance to their world.The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe-haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do-and they are just as determined to stay together.
Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. And when Roar returns to camp, he is so furious with Perry that he won't even look at him, and Perry begins to feel like they have already lost.
Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble a team to mount an impossible rescue mission-because Cinder isn't just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival, he's also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most. (synopsis from Goodreads)
The Game's Afoot
Series enders are tricky business. I'm always hesitant going in, hopeful that the resolution will be everything I wanted and also so afraid that it won't be. Into The Still Blue does what any good series ender should --- it ups the stakes and gives you the FEELS. It answers all our burning questions and does so in a way that feels natural and makes sense. In short, it was exactly the ender I've been hoping for.Stylistically, Into The Still Blue is a little different from UtNS and TtEN in that it's more action driven than character driven. But I don't think this is a bad thing because action is the bridge to the resolution. The book also focuses more on the group as a whole as opposed to any given individual (or couple). Everyone gets equal screen time, per say, and I think that plays into why the book worked for me. Plus, we get answers, answers about the Still Blue, about Aria's father, about Hess and Sable's grand plan! All of these things are wrapped up in a very organic and cohesive way.
And then there are THE FEELS. Oh my god, there are SO MANY FEELS!
Rossi doesn't hold back in this book. Sacrifices are made, friendships tested, allegiances broken. The stakes are super high and it's do or die time. And people DO die. Between certain deaths and Roar's grief and Cinder... MY HEART! Then we have Soren who is a total wildcard and Sable who is in a villainy class all of his own. The characters undoubtedly make this series one worth reading! They are all complex and dynamic and layered, each with a strong voice and distinctive personality. There are NO stock characters here. And the relationships they share with one another, both romantic and platonic, are to die for! I ship the friendships most of all!
The one thing that really caught me off guard about ItSB was how abrupt the ending was. I wasn't expecting it to come in the form or swiftness that it did but I think my reluctance to admit that the series was ending probably played a big part in that surprise. Though I wasn't quite ready to say goodbye to the gang, I do think Rossi brought their story to a natural and satisfactory conclusion. There's a nice balance of adversity and triumph. The group doesn't walk away unscathed, all of the characters suffer in some way, though ultimately, they do get a happy sort of ending. It feels very real, organic because everything isn't tied up in a pretty little bow. People die but people also get to live. And for Perry, Aria and the rest --- what more could you ask for?
Summary Prognosis
Into The Still Blue is an action-packed, high stakes series ender. It definitely tugged at my heartstrings --- people die, people we've come to know and
love BUT, overall, all the majour issues were resolved in a natural sort of way and the characters get a somewhat happier ending. Though this wasn't my favourite book of the three, it was still a satisfying ending to a brilliant series. I will be pushing this series on to everyone I know!Rating: ★★★★½
Read It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible
Discuss It: Goodreads | Author's Website
Yes, this book did a number on my feels! And I couldn't agree more about the ending being abrupt. I do wish we'd had a bit more time following up with the characters, but I'm glad with how many of them survived and where they ended up. Such a great series! So glad to hear you loved this. :-) Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lauren! Overall, I was pleased that most of my favourite characters made it through although there were a few moments that made me really sad. I think that's the thing with much beloved series, there's never enough time!
DeleteGreat review! I love this series, too and I completely agree with you about it being a very organic ending. Bad things did happen, but I loved how Rossi didn't just completely destroy everyone and everything. I think the first book is my favorite of the series and I'm talking this one up to anyone who hasn't read it, too!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Maggie! Rossi did a good job making it realistic enough where not everyone had their perfect HEA ending BUT enough of the characters reached their goal. I was sad and happy and it made me FEEL something, which is pretty much what you want in a series ender. I'm with you on pushing this book (and series) on to everyone. So beautiful!
DeleteI haven't read this series, but you've got to love all the feels books like this bring out in the reader.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a well written series and I was really happy with the way Rossi ended things. If you like the sci-fi stuff, I definitely recommend it.
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