Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Trilogy finale regains energy for satisfying conclusion.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
The opening of INTO THE STILL BLUE finds Aria, Perry, and their tribemates at a literal low point, living in caves and desperate to make their next move against their rival, Sable. Aria has been shot, and her arm refuses to heal properly. The Aether storms, which make life on the surface highly dangerous, are getting stronger. And Perry has to find a way to rescue Cinder, the troubled boy who may hold the key to controlling the Aether. Can they work with their enemies to find a way to survive, or will their salvation come only through violence?
Is It Any Good?
Maybe some tales of futuristic dystopias aren't meant to be stretched across three volumes. The Under the Never Sky trilogy started promisingly, but its momentum flagged in the second installment. The final book regains some of the lost energy, but much of the story feels repetitive and stretched out, especially those scenes in which characters squabble longer than is interesting. Longtime fans probably will be happy with the saga's resolution, but some will be eager for author Veronica Rossi to move on to a new setting and cast of characters.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why dystopian science fiction is currently so popular. What about the imagined end of civilization appeals to young readers?
What qualities make a good leader? What strategies do they employ to manage their followers?
How would you feel if you believed that one of your parents had betrayed you? How might you try to reestablish trust?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , STEM
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperCollins Publishers
- Publication date : January 28, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 400
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (abridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : December 3, 2025
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