"Into the Still Blue" by Veronica Rossi

Into the Still Blue (Jan. 28, 2014) by Veronica Rossi.

The Aether storms are worsening. At best, they have a few weeks before the skies make for impassable and impossible travel outside. At worst, they merely have days. The population between Perry’s Tides and Aria’s Dwellers is not staggering, but it’s still in the hundreds, and they do not have transportation enough for all of them. What they need are hovercrafts to take them to the Still Blue, a still seemingly mystical place whose existence is still doubted. They’ll have to cross paths with the ruthless leader of the Horns, Sable, and the cowardly Dweller leader, Hess. Hess is Soren’s dad, yet Soren isn’t under his dad’s protection; he’s roughing it in a cave with other Dwellers and the Tides he doesn’t trust (“savages,” in his eyes). But because of his technological prowess, Perry may find that Soren is a begrudging asset. Perry is on the outs with his best friend, Roar, as there is hurt on both sides and neither seems willing to talk it out. Perry and Aria aren’t without their struggles, either, battling personal feelings and their leadership roles. Still, despite all the pressure they’re under, it doesn’t best what Cinder is expected to do. Can they find the safe haven that is the Still Blue? And, even if they can, can they reach it?

            Overall, I really enjoyed this book and made quick work of reading it. Not just this book, but the entire trilogy, has a solid plot full of action and self-doubt, care and loathing, comic relief and heartache. However, in this story, plausibly due to Roar’s grief and the overall intensity of knowing that the Aether may bring their end-of-days very shortly, the humor displayed in this concluding YA trilogy novel is less than the first two. Readers find out who Aria’s dad is, and while that knowledge doesn’t enhance the plot, I really enjoyed that Rossi added in the identity of her father. The only thing that kind of grated on me is that Cinder’s story isn’t fully developed, yet he plays a critical role in this trilogy, especially in this novel. But mostly Rossi’s characters, especially her main ones, are strong in spite of their flaws, and I appreciate that. It makes them appear more real and therefore relatable, not that I ever want to relate to them through an Aether-filled environment (just saying). At the end of the day, they are, as we are, human, full of hopes and doubts and love and grief. And even to them, in their dystopian world, the bonds between people count.

            Book One: Under the Never Sky

            Book Two: Through the Ever Night