Latest Read: Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

Here are the basics ...
Into the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky #3) by Veronica Rossi
Publication date: Jan. 28, 2014
Publisher: HarperCollins
Category: Young Adult - Dystopian
Source: Received ARC from publisher via Edelweiss (Thanks!)

Summary: Perry and Aria's love and their leadership have been tested and now it's time to unite the Dwellers and the Outsiders in one last desperate attempt to bring balance to their world. The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe-haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do-and they are just as determined to stay together. Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. And when Roar returns to camp, he is so furious with Perry that he won't even look at him, and Perry begins to feel like they have already lost. Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble a team to mount an impossible rescue mission-because Cinder isn't just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival, he's also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most. (Adapted goodreads.com) 

My (spoiler-free) thoughts…

Yes! Another beloved series ends on a high note! Veronica Rossi has done an amazing job of building up this world, these characters and the overall story. Into the Still Blue was a solid and gripping conclusion that reminded me why I fell in love with this series in the first place. So much so that immediately after finishing, I went back through all three books to re-read my favorite parts. But enough of the gushing! (For now.)

In the final book, Aria, Perry, their friends and their enemies all have the same goal - find the Still Blue. But Aria and Perry have the added task of trying to unite the Dwellers and Outsiders while solidifying their relationship in the face of opposition. It's them versus Sable and Hess, who care only about finding the Aether-free land by any means necessary. Which means murder, deception and kidnapping Cinder for his special abilities. When Aria and Perry set out to rescue Cinder and figure out their next steps, they're accompanied by an unlikely group of people (except for Roar, obviously he'd be there!). They learn not only about the enemies they're fighting against, but about themselves and what it means to be a leader.

The plot and whole trajectory of the story is so well-thought out and well-paced. The action and urgency is balanced out with character development, friendships, family and of course, love. From the beginning, I've loved Aria, Perry and Roar and they continue to be the center of this story. They've grown so much while at the same time, remaining true to themselves. I appreciate the consistency in who they are and every action they took felt natural to me. Aria is no longer the scared and uncertain girl we first met in Under the Never Sky. She's become more sure of herself with each new book and she's definitely come into her own here. She knows who she is and who she loves.

Perry is the perfect counterpart to her character (and vice-versa). More than ever we see that beneath his quiet intensity is a heart that loves so deeply and genuinely. And not just with Aria. But with his nephew Talon, Cinder, his people and Roar. He makes tough decisions and sacrifices I didn't see coming and I won't lie, one moment in particular had me tearing up. Then Roar - he may not have his own chapters, but the book wouldn't be the same without him. His friendships with both Perry and Aria are essential to the series and it's refreshing to see a friendship so pure and strong between three people (thank goodness for no trite love triangles here!).

Do I recommend?: This is one of my favorite dystopian series and I highly recommend it! I know I will revisit these books again in the future.

Happy reading!