Finding a New Perspective: A Review of Brooke from the Under the Never Sky Series
As a lover of fantasy and dystopian worlds, Veronica Rossi’s Under the Never Sky trilogy has captured my heart and imagination. When I stumbled upon Brooke, the novella offering an intimate glimpse into the life of a character I had previously seen as a rival, I was both intrigued and hesitant. After all, Brooke has always stood in the shadow of Aria and Perry, their love story unfolding with its own complications. However, I was eager to explore this new narrative angle and uncover the layers behind a character I used to dismiss.
In Brooke, we find our titular character grappling with a mix of identity crisis and emotional turmoil. As the Tides seek shelter from the devastating Aether storms, Brooke finds herself not only confronting her past memories with Perry but also facing the reality of her evolving role in a rapidly changing world. Her struggle to piece together her sense of self while navigating love, loss, and duty is raw and relatable. I appreciated how Rossi illuminates Brooke’s vulnerabilities and strengths, skillfully crafting a narrative that encourages empathy for a character once perceived as antagonistic.
What truly drew me in was Rossi’s masterful writing style; she paints vivid landscapes of both the external and internal struggles Brooke faces. The pacing felt just right for this novella, allowing us to linger in meaningful moments while propelling the story forward with urgency. One particularly mesmerizing quote that resonated with me was when Brooke reflects, “In the chaos around me, the only thing I knew was that I needed to fight—for my people, for the Tides, and maybe even for myself.” This encapsulation of her dual purpose struck a chord within me, mirroring the universal struggle of self-discovery amid external pressures.
The emotional depth of Brooke allows us to witness her growth and resilience against familiar narratives of rivalry and heartache. Fans of the series will find it illuminating to see the transformation of a character often dismissed as selfish. Instead, Rossi does a commendable job of showing that even those who seem antagonistic are often battling their own struggles. It reminded me of the way we sometimes overlook the background stories of people who play supporting roles in our lives and the rich histories that shape their actions.
While short, Brooke serves as a captivating lead-in to the highly anticipated conclusion of the trilogy, Into the Still Blue. Those who adored Aria and Perry will find themselves equally invested in Brooke’s journey. I’d recommend this novella to readers who enjoy nuanced character development and want to explore the complexities of relationships, particularly in dystopian settings.
In conclusion, my initial reservations about Brooke transformed into a deep appreciation for her journey. Brooke has left me longing for the final chapter of this saga, eager to see how her trials unfold alongside Aria’s and Perry’s. If you seek a story rich in emotion and character exploration, this novella is a worthwhile addition to your reading list, reminding us all that even the fiercest rivals may evolve into heroes in their own right.