Mini Reviews: Under the Never Sky, In Too Deep and The Pledge

Oh yes, it is indeed mini review time again! This time, I've got two dystopians and a contemp for you guys, and yes, I loved them all. So... let's get to it!

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi: Honestly, I don't think brilliant is even a good enough word for this book. It is so amazing in so many ways, many of which I honestly cannot put into words. This is one of those books that any given moment, there isn't necessarily a lot going on, and yet, there is so much overall, such a fantastic arc and build, that while I made myself put it down to get some other stuff done, my mind kept going back to it. Two separate worlds, blended together when Aria and Perry meet, is one of the most compelling aspects of this book for me because in a lot of ways, it felt like it was our world advanced, and our world decaying. I had absolutely no problem imaging Aria or Perry's world, and though so much of this is very clearly not what I know, Veronica builds everything so smoothly, so seamlessly, that I just pictured myself right there. Then there is the overall story, the plot, the mystery, the characters... wow. Just wow, all around, in a million ways, wow. There is so much deeper meaning, such subtle intricacy, that this book delves into so many levels and elements. And not to mention, one of my all time favorite book lines now comes from this book, and is honestly one of the sweetest lines ever. All I will say is that it has to do with rocks, and you will know it when you read it. Also, the writing is fantastic, and just, everything, perfection. I'm in total fangirl love.

In Too Deep by Amanda Grace: This one is intense and emotional, and it jumps right into it. A simple misunderstanding, spiraled into something huge, and Amanda nails that hopeless, loss of control feeling so perfectly. Picked apart, sure, any specific motivation in this book might not seem good enough but mounted on top of each other, and it's easy to see why Sam found herself in such a firestorm. Sam has a fantastic overall story arc and development, testing herself and having just the right amount of introspection without being repetitive or overbearing, and she will absolutely make readers understand her. This is a book that will make you feel, and make you think, and with powerful writing, it definitely grabs from page one. There was really only one part of this book that didn't mesh with me towards the end, but everything else that was so great about this book by far overshadows that. With great characters, a vivid realism, and a well built story arc, this is a book that you do not want to miss.

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting: I am in love with the concept and playout of this one, and add in the gorgeous and stellar writing that we all know Kimberly has, and this book is fabulous. Emotionally tactile, and realistically built despite being a dystopian set up, it is so easy to imagine not only the world, but the sense of oppression that comes with it. When words truly have power, and when classes are separated by language, it spins the mind in so many directions trying to get all the ramifications, and Kim doesn't disappoint in bringing many of them forth. With some great twists, stunning characters, and a fantastic overall premise and story line, this is definitely a book for fans of dystopian. Not to mention, the romance is sweetly done, built on mystery and intrigue than immediate attraction, with a charming love interest to round it out.


So that's it! Look for the full reviews for these books closer to their releases, and see you next time!