Under the never sky by Veronica Rossi

Atom, 2013. ISBN 9780349001487.
Through the ever night by Veronica Rossi
Atom, 2013. ISBN 9781907411069
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Dystopian fiction. Romance. Survival. ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults 2013. Aria has lived all her life under a Dome that keeps out the deadly air. Her life revolves around playing games that simulate reality. When her mother goes missing she risks leaving her protected life to find out about her disappearance and eventually is expelled from the Dome. She knows she won't survive in the Wasteland, where the toxic aether attacks. However she meets Perry, a wild young man who is also searching for someone. Their story of survival is continued in the second in the series Through the ever night.
I thoroughly enjoyed these two books. They were relatively easy to read, but only because Rossi is a clever author who has the ability to blend together detailed characterisation, a fascinating setting and an action driven plot to keep the reader glued to the page. Once I read Under the never sky, I immediately started Through the ever night. This is an indication of the compulsive nature of the two books, and I can't wait for the third in the series.
The romance in the book was very well done. Aria and Perry take time to get to know each other's personalities, strengths and weaknesses and courage. Chapters are labelled Aria and Peregrine and relate the story from their point of view, which provides an indepth look at the motivations of each of them and what has been important in their past. Other characters like Roar and Liv and Cinder the boy who could manipulate the devastating aether are really interesting and provide added incentive for the reader to read on to find out what happens to them.
This is a superior series in the dystopian genre. Readers who enjoyed The hunger games will like it and I can see reluctant readers being prepared to try it.
Pat Pledger