Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi
Genre: Sc-fi, Fantasy, Romance
Published by: Atom
Pages: 389
Format: Paperback
Rating: ★★★.5
Series: Under the Never Sky (#1) | Through the Ever Night (#2)
Where to Find: Goodreads | Amazon

The final book in this series seems to be taking itself more seriously as a sci-fi fantasy novel. We’re no longer in the throes of ‘does-he-like-me?’ but instead dealing with the threat of tyrants and the honour of self-sacrifice.

Plot
I really admire Rossi for developing this book into more than just a romance. Sure, Perry and Aria’s relationship is still key, but its become less about individuals and more about people. The Dwellers and the Outsiders now have to work together. It’s like that episode of ‘Tarzan’ when everyone helps to build a dam, instead this time everyone needs to help fly a hovercraft and kill some bad guys.
I felt that if deaths were written, no one died unnecessarily. The deaths of certain characters helped to further the rage and search for justice.
There’s quite a big revelation for Aria that seems a bit out of place, and not well explained, but it was pretty pivotal to how the book ended, so I can’t complain that much.
However, one thing I didn’t like was how separated Perry and Aria were. The most common word in this book is ‘together’, because that’s what they want to be, but as with Divergent, self-sacrifice gets in the way of happily ever after. Just communicate! Aria will be able to hear from miles away!

Pacing
Overall, I felt the pacing was moderate. We got to the Still Blue with about 20% of the book left, so once that objective was achieved, something else had to happen. I was very pleased with the new plot points, but it might have all been a bit rushed or convenient at the end.

Characters and Relationships
Throughout this trilogy one character that has really emerged for me is Roar. I think he deals with the heaviest situation, although his emotions can sometimes get the better of him. I loved that he accepted Aria, when he didn’t have to, and how he was such a loyal friend. He’s the type of friend we all wish we had.
Aria evolved into her own person, no longer reliant on Perry for guidance or support (actually, she probably hung out with Roar in this series more than Perry!)  I loved that she became comfortable with her abilities and limits and was willing to accept her place as a leader, a position she’s deserved since book one.

Overall, I’d give this book 3.5 stars. Although there were fights and deaths, there was nothing really exciting about this finale. I found myself predicting what would happen in the end…to basically all the characters. It’s safe to say that the first book in the series is my favourite, but I was intrigued by where this series ended up!