Into the Still BlueAuthor: Veronica Rossi
Series: Under the Never Sky #3
Published by: HarperCollins
Publication Date: January 29, 2014
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
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.
Veronica Rossi introduced us to captivating characters and fascinating world-building in Under the Never Sky. In Through the Ever Night she stepped up her game and took us on a thrilling ride that was full of heartbreak, deceit, triumph, and love. Finally, she gave us worthy conclusion with Into the Still Blue. While it was sad to see the trilogy come to an end, I can honestly say it has been a fantastic journey! Definitely bittersweet.
It has all been leading up to this, and it rocked! I do have to admit that the second book was my favorite of the three, but Into the Still Blue still walloped quite a punch. There is always the fear that the ending of a series will be a disappointment, but that is not the case with this one. While it seems clear as to where they will end up, the journey they face is no easy feat. It’s full of action, loss, twists and turns.
The characters and their relationships have remained my favorite aspect of this series. Perry and Aria exhibit tremendous growth. They’ve both been great characters from the beginning, so I loved watching them develop into even better versions of themselves. Perry strived to be a good leader to his tribe and keep everyone safe. I especially love the transformation Aria went through, because she was thrust into a completely foreign world, yet adapted and thrived, becoming an admirable female character. They truly have come a long way.
The relationship between Aria and Perry is solid. All too often the romance in fiction is full of clichés, angst, and unnecessary drama, but this one holds strong. Of course, no relationship is without some tribulations, especially while going through what they were, but the way they handled them and grew from them is what makes theirs stand out from most. It is something I would love to see more of not only in YA, but NA and adult novels, as well.
As much as I love a good romantic relationship, a great friendship will usually trump that for me. With Aria and Roar, Rossi has managed to create one of my favorite fictional friendships ever! Hell, Roar alone has cemented himself as one of my favorite male characters. The friendship they share is so pure and lovely; they have a bond and understanding of one another that absolutely beautiful. Not to mention funny. Oh, how Roar cracks me up! In addition to his friendship with Aria, I also appreciate all he went through with Perry. They had their low moments brought on by grief, but it was nice seeing the guys work through their friendship.
Honestly, I think it would be difficult to go into this series and not come out loving at the very least one or two of the characters. Even all of the secondary characters are great, including the bad guys. One that I want to mention is Soren. He has come such a long way from when we meet him in the first book. I found his cockiness very funny, especially when paired with Roar, but he exhibited a lot more depth than I was expecting from him.
So yes, Into the Still Blue gets lots of love from me. In fact, the entire Under the Never Sky series does; it is by far one of the top dystopians out there. And now, it’s time to say good-bye. Excuse me while I go weep in the corner.
Under the Never Sky Series
Roar and Liv (#0.5): Goodreads | Amazon
Under the Never Sky (#1): Review | Goodreads | Amazon ($1.99)
I snagged book one on a deal, but was in no rush to read since I thought this was all romance and a little dystopian but your review and others have me bumping this back up the list.
Definitely bump it way up.
Funny, I saw this on audible and I almost got it without doing my homework, or paying attention, I see now that is part of a series, and a good one 🙂
I need to look for book 1.
Thanks Christy 🙂
Yeah, definitely start with the first book. 😉
Believe it or not I am just starting this one! I couldn’t resist picking up this on Edelweiss and while they may not have been practical since this is the third book and I haven’t even started the series yet, I didn’t want to miss out on it either and what better way to push you to start it right? Right?
At least that is what I keep telling myself.
Wait, you’re just starting the series or started read the 3rd book first? Don’t read out of order!
sorry that wasn’t very clear was it? I meant I am just starting the series, not the book. I can’t read series out of order, I am too OCD LOL! 😛
Oh thank goodness! You scared me. 😀
I agree with you about this trilogy being one of the best dystopian series. I love Roar and I especially like his friendship with Aria. Perry and Aria had an amazing relationship in this one, too. Great review! 🙂
I’m sure going to miss them all.
I’ve never read anything by Veronica Rossi, but now I’m very curious! I’ll definitely have to check her out and add it to my list! 🙂
This is her first series, but it’s a dang good one.
I skimmed your review Christy because I still need to read Through the Ever Night and this one, and I cannot wait to get caught up. I’m so glad to hear you thought this was a fabulous conclusion, that makes me happy. I loved Aria and Perry in book one and I’m more than a little in love with Roar, so I can’t wait to see how his and Aria’s friendship progresses. SO EXCITED!
Oh, Jenny, at least hurry and read the 2nd book. It’s wonderful … it’s glorious … it’s … just read it! lol
I haven’t read any of these, but I keep hearing it’s a great series. I’m glad the ending wasn’t a disappointment!
You should definitely read these.
One of the best? Gosh i been putting it off for months, shamelessly… I am so glad to hear that the characters and their relationships remained a strong aspect of the book! Glad to hear that overall it stayed very strong.
Without a doubt. Stop putting it off. 🙂
I am glad I finally made time for this series. I loved it but hated that Roar and Liv’s romance was pulled out and put in a novella. LAME. I also thought the finale was a tiny bit weak. I didn’t like the way things played out with Cinder it lacked emotion. Anyway still a great series and you are right we need more Roar.
Aww, I felt plenty of emotion from it as I was sobbing. lol. There’s always room for more Roar. 😉
Sounds terrific, I am so glad this one is getting rave reviews everywhere! That means a series has been done well. I still haven’t read the first one yet but this one gives me more incentive too. Plus I want to get to know Roar. Lovely review Christy!
This series is definitely a MUST read.
Omg i didn’t realize the third book is out! I have been waiting for it impatiently for the past 6 months. I love this series.
This is one of the series I intend to pick back up and finish this year. I’m so glad you enjoyed this conclusion. I loved book one and the first novella, so it’s good to know that I’ll be pleased with the rest!
Oh, Michele … just wait until you read the 2nd book. So. Good!
I love this series and I’m happy with how it ended. I hope she writes a new adult spin off for Roar.
I would gladly accept anything with more Roar. 😉
Yes, I’m right there with you weeping in the corner too! 🙂 So happy to hear you loved the finale. I agree the second book was also my favorite, but I still really enjoyed this and thought it was more than a worthy ending for the characters. And yes, I am a little bit in love with Roar (and Perry. and Cinder.) I think we need a spinoff series! Lovely review 🙂
Yes, a spinoff would be fantastic! *sigh*
I can’t believe I still haven’t read book one…it’s just sitting on my shelf. I think I’m kind of hesitant since the only thing most people talk about is the romance. I’ll have to get to it this year though. Great review Christy!
Don’t hesitate, Michelle, it’s a fantastic series. I think people talk so much about the romance because it’s executed so well, but by no means overpowers the story. The friendships are absolutely wonderful too.
I plowed through this book in one day and just loved it! This is exactly the right way to end a trilogy.
I completely agree with the friendships being so wonderful here. Love Roar and even found myself starting to like Soren. This entire series is a must read.
Yeah, Soren was a pleasant surprise. I actually ended up liking him quite a bit.
I haven’t read the second book yet, I even have it. Ugh. This sounds like it is so good too. Glad you enjoyed it. I tend to have a hard time with the last books in series, I just don’t want to say goodbye. 😉 Great review.
Jenea! Go read the 2nd book right this second! 🙂
I’m so glad you loved this book and the series. I love Aria and Perry and Aria and Roar SO much. And Roar’s one of my favourite characters too. The romance and friendship was one of the best I’ve ever seen, and I totally agree that I’d love to see more of these types of relationships in other books. Fantastic review, Christy.