Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Me on Through the Ever Night

Title: Through the Ever Night
Author: Veronica Rossi
Release Date: January 8, 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with a dangerous mission. Now, they are about to be reunited, but their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening of the Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both. Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder if their love will survive the ever night.

Through the Ever Night continues the story of Aria and Perry, of Aria's life outside the walls of Reverie, of Perry's search and rescue of his nephew. Of their battle to stay alive and survive the Aether storms. Of the search for the Still Blue. So many lives depend on the both of them, pressing down on their shoulders, and they're forced to survive and struggle forward in order to keep everyone alive.

Aria is searching for the Still Blue, trying to make things right, trying to help those in the Domes. Being half-Dweller confuses those at Tides, seeing her as something that doesn't belong, something that will ruin them. Meanwhile, Perry is struggling with the weight of the Blood Lord's chain around his neck. He's constantly at war with himself, his feelings for Aria clashing with his need to take care of his people, to do what's best for them, to keep them alive. He wants to help her, but he can't desert his people.

Second novels in trilogies quite often have a plot event or plot point that bothers me, even though I understand the reasoning behind it. Aria has to head off to find the Still Blue and Perry has to stay at Tides in order to keep the tribe alive, to keep them safe, to be the ruler he now is. In the first book, they grew together, and now they have to grow and learn apart. They need to prove they can be their own selves and not just half of a pair. To be believable as characters, they have to work as separate people before they can work as a pair.

Those who enjoyed the first book will certainly enjoy this new offering. Secrets are uncovered and revealed, surprises are unveiled, trouble comes from every direction, and Aria and Perry must scramble to keep everyone close to them alive. Including each other.

(I acquired an advance copy at ALA Midwinter.)

1 comment:

  1. I had mixed feelings about the first book. I thought the world building was fantastic but the characters didn't really appeal to me. I am curious to see where the story goes next though!

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