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| HarperCollins |
by Veronica Rossi
4 Stars
After reading book one back in February 2012, I remember
saying that the first book, Under the
Never Sky, laid the foundation for a “hopefully even stronger books
two.” Alas, Rossi has met my
expectations, and I have rated this second installment a full star higher!
As new Blood Lord for The Tides, Perry is expected to
provide for his people and keep them safe from the ever-increasing danger of
the Aether storms; but, how can he do this when it is clear that not everyone
trusts his judgment? Meanwhile, under threats from her old enemy, Hess, Aria
must find the Clear Blue or Perry’s beloved nephew, Talon, may die at the Governor
Hess’s hand.
Installment two has only slightly less action but far more sophisticated
character development than book one. The results are that readers quickly
become highly invested in the lives of the characters. Rossi has effectively
exposed the heart of leader as he is made,
and it is an enlightening picture. The reader sees what it must be like for
Perry, whose control over his people is tenuous at best. He faces betrayal from
some of his tribesmen, especially when he wants to bring Aria to his people as
his chosen bride. Perry’s idealistic nature drives him to test the patience of
his people again and again, and he learns that hard choices often have to be
made to preserve the tribe. Should he
bow to the will of his people or rule from his heart? In addition to suffering
the pain of betrayal, Perry must face the uncertainty of choices. Should he
prepare the people to leave or prepare crops for a coming year? How will he face
his own self-doubt and at the same time inspire the confidence of his people? Should
the love of his people trump his love for Aria? No less significant is Aria’s
growth. Her relationship with Roar is refreshing—a male-female friendship based
on mutual trust and respect without any romantic overtones—the type of relationship
not often seen in YA fiction but a healthy relationship nonetheless. Aria is no
longer the meek, helpless dweller she was when she first came from the dome,
and her willingness to embark on a dangerous mission without Perry to save the
life of a stranger proves her resourcefulness. She also faces former enemies,
like Soren, with a new perspective that allows her to see him for what he is
and not what she imagined him to be. Aria has evolved into a young woman finally
capable of surviving reality—something necessary in this changing world. It
will be interesting to see if Aria becomes Perry’s counterpart in book three,
the leader of the now-abandoned Dwellers, or if the two will reunite and pursue
their romance once more. Either way, my faith in Rossi has been redeemed. I
look forward to reading book three, and hope that it earns yet another coveted
Scribble!
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