Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Second volume of dystopian adventure/romance loses momentum.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT picks up on the heels of the series' first volume, Under the Never Sky. Aria, the Dweller who has lived most of her life within a protective pod, reunites with Peregrine, leader of the nomadic Tides, whose family and friends struggle to survive in the wake of the treacherous and unpredictable Aether storms. Aria's presence causes the Tides to distrust Peregrine's leadership, but if they knew the secret she carries, they would probably rebel completely. Is their love strong enough to protect them while they seek the ultimate sanctuary of the Still Blue, the protected place that may only be a myth?
Is It Any Good?
Through the Ever Night doesn't match the excitement of this series' initial volume. The plot seems mostly concerned with Peregrine's internal political struggles with his fellow members of the Tides, and these never quite generate the suspense necessary to drive the narrative. Aria's adventures in exile have a little more oomph, but too much of the book feels as if the author is making time until the big finish. Here's hoping the final installment will justify the measured pace of Through the Ever Night.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about dystopian novels. Why do you think they're so popular?
What might be the advantages or drawbacks of bioengineered sensory appliances that allow the wearer to access a virtual realm?
What makes a good leader? Is it better to govern through consensus or should one person be in charge for maximum efficiency?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperCollins Publishers
- Publication date : January 8, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate