Under the Never Sky Veronica Rossi – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Under the Never Sky Veronica Rossi

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2012

64%

WISE Score

4.4

Amazon

Solid YA dystopian romance where a sheltered city girl and a 'savage' outsider team up to survive—think familiar tropes done competently.

Under the Never Sky Veronica Rossi

book

2012

64%

WISE Score

4.4

Amazon

Solid YA dystopian romance where a sheltered city girl and a 'savage' outsider team up to survive—think familiar tropes done competently.

4.4

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Screenwise Verdict

Under the Never Sky is competent YA dystopian that hit shelves in 2012 during the genre's peak. It's got the formula down: post-apocalyptic wasteland, sheltered protagonist meets rugged love interest, survival stakes, prejudice overcome through forced proximity. Rossi writes it well—the dual POV works, the world-building is atmospheric, and the pacing keeps readers engaged.

But here's the thing: in 2025, this reads like a time capsule. If your teen is actively seeking dystopian romance, they'll probably enjoy it. The 4.4 Amazon rating suggests it delivers what it promises. But if they're not already fans of the genre, there's nothing here fresh enough to convert them. It's comfort food for readers who want more Hunger Games vibes, not a must-read.

The violence and romance keep it firmly in the 14+ zone, and the themes about prejudice and survival offer some discussion fodder. Just know what you're getting: a well-executed but deeply familiar YA dystopian from the genre's heyday.

Age Fit

Best for ages 14-17 who enjoy YA dystopian romance. The violence and intensity are genre-standard but too much for middle schoolers. Teens who loved The Hunger Games or Divergent will find familiar territory here.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The dual-POV narrative between Aria and Perry shows growth from prejudice to understanding, modeling cooperation across different backgrounds. However, the harsh post-apocalyptic setting includes violence and survival-based conflict that keeps the emotional tone darker. The romance develops gradually but is a central element, and the 'savage' vs 'Dweller' dynamic, while ultimately bridging divides, leans into stereotypes before subverting them.

Imaginative

The world-building is solid—a domed city of Reverie vs. the deadly outer wasteland called The Death Shop, with 'Aether storms' creating a visually distinct dystopia. The dual perspectives offer interesting narrative structure. That said, the core premise (sheltered girl meets rugged outsider in post-apocalyptic world) is well-trodden YA territory. Rossi executes it competently with some fresh details, but it's not breaking new ground in 2025.

Safe

This is a YA dystopian with violence inherent to the survival premise—Perry is a hunter, there are threats from the environment and other tribes. Common Sense Media and Plugged In both flag it for ages 14+, noting violence and romantic content. No graphic gore or sexual content, but the intensity level is moderate. For a teen reader expecting dystopian action, it's predictable; for a younger or more sensitive reader stumbling into it, some scenes could be jarring.

Enriching

The book explores themes of prejudice, survival, and finding common ground across cultural divides. The alternating POVs encourage perspective-taking and empathy. There's character growth as both protagonists shed their initial biases. It's competent YA that can spark discussions about stereotypes and resilience, but it's primarily entertainment-focused rather than deeply thought-provoking. The 4.4 Amazon rating and positive reader reviews suggest it delivers on engagement.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Dual POV structure lets readers see both characters shed their prejudices and grow, modeling perspective-taking
Fast-paced action and survival stakes keep pages turning—multiple reviews call it 'gripping' and 'riveting'
The world-building (domed cities vs. deadly wasteland with Aether storms) is vivid and atmospheric
Romance develops gradually alongside the survival plot rather than overwhelming it
Part of a completed trilogy, so no cliffhanger anxiety if your teen gets hooked

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What to Watch For

Violence is present throughout—Perry hunts, there are tribal conflicts, and survival in 'The Death Shop' is brutal
Romance is a major plot thread; expect tension and eventual physical affection appropriate for YA
The 'civilized Dweller vs. wild Savage' setup leans on stereotypes before ultimately subverting them
If your kid burned out on Hunger Games/Divergent-era dystopian, this might feel like more of the same

Conversation Starters

"Aria and Perry both start with stereotypes about each other's worlds. When have you had to rethink assumptions about someone different from you?"
"The book shows two very different survival strategies—high-tech isolation vs. hunting and tribal living. Which would you choose in a crisis?"
"Perry's world calls Aria's people 'Dwellers' and she calls them 'Savages.' How do labels shape the way we see people?"
"If you had to leave everything familiar behind like Aria, what's the one thing you'd want to bring with you?"

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