Roar of the Tides

Under the Never Sky #4

by Veronica Rossi

Roar of the Tides has been through it all. The staggering death of the girl he loves. The destruction of the only place he’s ever called home by harrowing Aether storms. Now, a year later, finally safe in an idyllic new land, his life should be back on track. Instead, he’s haunted by the memory of his beloved’s brutal murder by Sable of the Horns—until the day he hears a call for help that changes everything.

After fleeing from the tribe that held her hostage, Tempest of the Horns has been in hiding. She wants nothing more than to reunite with her brother, Sable, and return to her true home. When she sends out a distress call hoping to reach him, she doesn’t expect a stranger to answer instead.

When Roar and Tempest meet, their fate has already been sealed by lies and betrayals. But when they’re captured by a common enemy who plans to kill Roar and usurp Tempest’s ancestral lands, they’ll need to overcome old wounds and forge ahead as partners, proving that heroic feats can happen in the heart as much as on any battlefield.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Dystopia, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Paranormal, Post Apocalyptic

440 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 21, 2023

About the author

Veronica Rossi writes fiction for young adults and older ones, too. To date, she has written the post-apocalyptic UNDER THE NEVER SKY series, the RIDERS fantasy duology, and the historical fiction standalone, REBEL SPY. Her latest book, ROAR OF THE TIDES, picks up where the UTNS trilogy left off.
Thanks for reading!

Reviews

[Reynita ★ The Night Reader ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under the Never Sky (#Book 1): ★★★★★★
Through the Ever Night (#Book 2): ★★★★★★
Into the Still Blue (#Book 3):★★★★★★

𓏲ּ𝄢‧₊˚ 𝓡𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓭 𝓭𝓸𝔀𝓷 𝓽𝓸 4 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓼 °‧🫧

This is the hardest review I’ve ever written because I’m trying to be as objective as I can while the first 3 books are literally some pieces of my soul. I literally grew up with the first three books of the series, I’ve reread it 6/7 times. All my best friends know the existence of the trilogy because I WAS that ✨OBSESSED ✨ tbh I not-so secretly influenced them to read the trilogy. I was (still am) a hardcore fan of the trilogy. Lol.

₊°｡❆ Sooo … what to expect?

❤︎ Close proximity
❤︎ Enemies to lovers
❤︎ A delightful surprise which I won’t divulge 🤭
❤︎ Platonic friendship between a man and woman
❤︎ Science fiction/dystopia/romance

.𖥔 ݁ 🪐˖.Pros

Characters
All of the characters were unique and distinct. It’s so beautiful how the author managed to portray each of these characters to be different from another. On top of that, the book is told through two point of view. Roar and Tempest. Roar was always the side kick friend in first three books. He was the funny and charming side character that honestly deserve more recognition. I’m pleased to say that he got it in this book. It’s a bittersweet experience to be able to get into his head as we learnt about his grief, memories and how he dealt with it.

Romance
The romance was kind of slow burn (?) but a bit fast at the same time … I guess it’s because they had been attracted to each other physically the moment they laid their eyes on each other. So when they hated each other, it was cute, scary and saddening as well. But I admit that I was bored nearing the end of the book. It’s like they lost the spark and the plot just got really weird.

⋆｡𖦹 °.🐚 Cons

The plot
Look, I love the first three books with my whole heart. But there’s something so strange with this book, no matter how much I enjoyed it. Yes, this series is my all time favorite but objectively speaking, the plot of this book was honestly so far-fetched. After all they went through in the first three books to reach the ending and then they decided to go back? What the heck? 😂 there’s no way they would make such decision. Tough time requires difficult measure and I’m sure they wouldn’t risk themselves. 🤷‍♀️

I’m glad this book was published but I honestly feel like I read it for old time sake and just to reunite with my book bestie instead of liking the plot.

The plot nearing the end of the book was also weird. How they fought for a land they left behind … like what do you need it for?? And then how the heck the environment got better in this book?? Like it didn’t make any sense. We all knew how the world was like in first three books. That’s why it’s called dystopian book. But all of sudden, the world was much better in this book which made sense. Not to mention that Tempest (the female main character) just spawned out of no where. Like ??? She was never mentioned in the previous books considering how important her status was in this book AND the ending of the book was also open and I could see that there could be more continuation in the future which I don’t really want to read but also probably want to read for old time sake 😭 yesss, I’m that emotional guys.

The reason I’m giving this book 4 stars instead of 3 is because the extra one star is for my book bestie, Roar, and old time sake. But please READ THE FIRST BOOK. They’re told through different characters whom I love dearly. The trilogy is just so underrated. I can’t believe that the first three books don’t get the recognition they deserve.

Thank you guys for reading this review and also leaving comments below. Please give the first book a try. It’s out of this world 🥹 and Merry Christmas, everyone! 🎄🎄

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⣾⠉⢳⣰⠋⠙⡆⠀⠀⠀⠀
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⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠙⠷⠋
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⠀⠀⠀⠙⠶⣄⣀⠴⠋⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀♡

𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼


Update (26/11): I’m currently sick with strep throat (DAMN IT) so I might be a bit inactive for a while 😭

It is so unfair how this great series is so underrated! My eyes even got a bit teary when I hold this precious 4th installment in my hands. I AM NOT READY TO BE BACK IN THIS WONDERFUL BOOK WORLD AGHHHH

[Beatrice]

AFTER ALL THESE YEARS,THIS UNDERDOG SERIES IS GETTING MORE BOOKS.

TAKE MY MONEY!!!

[✿ ~Yessenia~♥︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can’t convince me that Perry wasn’t the one who secretly orchestrated everything so his bestie could be happy . I mean the council chair must be Perry 😂.

Haha

This book takes place one year after Into the still blue , centering on two povs Temptest and of course Roar. In an enemy to lovers fashion .

I loved the book. I actually wish the book went a little further, I feel I could read a book with them for another 400 pages because I loved Aria , Perry , and Roar . The first two don’t appear as much but this is afterall Roar’s book and Perry does appear a bit more than Aria but I just love my trio. I am hoping there’s a sequel :) . I love the regards and mentions of growing and healing after losing someone you love . How it’s complicated and messy, but while it doesn’t truly go away it can be mended. Roar journey from the start to the end was beautiful and all the underlying emotional trauma felt soothing as the book progress. It was funny , it was sweet and it overall a wonderful book.

[Hallie (thecommonroomshop) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Edit: it’s been over a year and I still think regularly about how much I LOATHE this book.

The moment I found out that this book existed I reread the original trilogy in preparation. I loved every second of that reread. I truly feel like Aria & Perry’s story withstands the test of time. I went into Roar of the Tides with so much excitement especially because he is my favorite character.

There were a lot of things I liked about this book. It made me laugh and there were a lot of beautiful quotes. Veronica Rossi is such a talented writer and I love reading her words. BUT ultimately around the 70% mark something changed. I could not get past some crazy plot holes that made this feel like a fanfiction. I truly don’t think I can count this as canon.

The fact that there are now holes in the aether barrier feels so disrespectful to Cinder and his memory. I was SHOCKED by that plot point. I think it takes away from the world building considering the fact that they spent hundreds of pages figuring out how to pass into the still blue. I also was confused about Tempest not needing to kill her uncle in order to become blood lord. In the original story it was pledge or die which was the reason Perry had to murder Vale. Tempest’s uncle did neither as far as we know. I also felt like it was disrespectful to PERRY to change up these rules.

Some other notes:
-I felt like the depth of Aria & Roar’s friendship was downplayed
-When did Perry learn to read?
-The aether is just calm now…and the dwellers are controlling it?
-Roar said some things about Liv that felt so out of character. It seemed like he needed to villainize her a bit to move on which didn’t feel like the Roar I knew.

I’m sad that I didn’t love it more. I’m still in mourning a bit because I JUST finished it. I will say I loved seeing some diversity in Cal and Daisy’s relationship! I will definitely keep rereading the original story, but I don’t think I’ll reread this one😭

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

"So much had been given so that he could sit there, surrounded by undeniable beauty, and find it wanting."

It's so crazy being back in this world. I loved this series! I hadn't even realized this book was a thing until a friend marked it on Goodreads. It's been so long since I read the original trilogy and its companion novellas, I wasn't sure if I would like it or how much I would remember but it took me almost no time at all to get right back into the characters and the world. This book, as the titles suggests, focuses on Roar of the Tides, and how he's dealing in the wake of so much loss. We are also introduced to a new character, Tempest of the Horns. She is also dealing with loss and battling her own inner demons. The book is a dual POV between them.

"When people passed away, they left holes in your life. You could carry on with things, but when you fell through one of them, you went right back to aching for them, the pain as fresh as ever.

Although this book focuses on new MCs we still get to see some old favorites like Perry and Soren, which I loved.

"This wasn't his friend anymore-it was Peregrine of the Tides. Slayer of tyrants. Savior of the lost and forsaken.

Roar was always one of my favorite characters and I'm so happy he got his own story. You get to see more into his upbringing and how he is really struggling to find his place. My heart just ached for him.

"He taught himself how to be utterly silent. A ghost child, quiet as fog. Never had anyone been given a less befitting name."

But thankfully by the end, with the help of a certain someone, he is back to his charming self and better than ever. There were some unresolved things at the end, and I hope that means Rossi is not done with this world. If you were a fan of the original series, I highly recommend giving this a try! She hints in the acknowledgements about continuing this series..."Once again, thank you for taking this journey with me. Should we keep going!? Soren's been tapping me on the shoulder..." My answer to this is yes. Absolutely, yes. Haha.

"Death was only a free fall away-one twitch away-but it hadn't felt so far away in ages. He was burning with life. Levitating with it.

[aconstellationoftomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting to read this book for years. Under the Never Sky is one of my favourite book series. Roar is one of my favourite book characters. To say I had high expectations is an understatement, but boy, did this book deliver!

The best part of this book is the characters. I can't remember the last time I read a book where I was extremely emotionally attached to the characters and their stories, to the point that I was experiencing it all with them.

I love Roar. This is Roar's healing novel, which he truly deserves, after all the traumatic events that he's been through. Roar is still charismatic, charming and funny, but the darkness that he starts off with shifts into something brighter as he becomes someone more than he expected to be. His character arc is amazing.

It's also great to read about beloved characters from previous books in the series. The brotherhood between Roar and Perry is wonderful because they both think the best of each other and will not let each other get away with anything, leading to several amusing moments. The role reversal, with Roar now being the main character and Perry being the best friend and sidekick, is great. Their banter is top-tier. While Aria doesn't make a huge appearance in this book, I love the friendship between her and Roar.

I'm so surprised by how quickly I started loving Tempest. Her character arc is also amazing and I am so proud of who she's become. She's optimistic, resourceful, intelligent and resilient. I felt it all with her and I like that she owns up to her mistakes and tries to set things right. She's a force to be reckoned with.

The relationship between Roar and Tempest is wonderfully developed. It starts off so messy between them. There's a lot going on and they both have baggage, so the progression of their relationship from attraction, the enemies, to marriage, to friendship, to something more, to love shouldn't work, but astoundingly does. Roar and Tempest are a great match with natural chemistry.

While this series has always been more character-driven, the plot and world building is an improvement compared to the previous books. There's more focus on the tribes, so more politics, and the world is written in such a way that it feels tangible. The plot is mid stakes and predictable at times, but still engrossing. There's a nice balance between the action-driven and quiet moments.

There's something I like about Rossi's writing, but can't pinpoint what. The words she uses and the way she tells a story makes it so memorable. I literally highlighted so many parts on my kindle. The idea of enhanced sense has always been fascinating and I like how the writing further enhances it by associating similes and metaphors with a particular sense. However, the similes and metaphors are overused.

I'm so happy! Roar of the Tides exceeded my expectations. While this book has closure, there's room for more exploration and I'm so excited about the potential. I will read everything that Rossi writes in this world.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book because I love the original trilogy so much, but it just didn’t quite live up for me. A few things I did love- Veronica Rossi’s writing style is so easy to read; absolutely love how everything is described and how dialogue is written. I also think all the characters felt like the same characters they were in the first three books. We got to see a new side of Roar but it wasn’t as if he was a whole different person. His characterization in this book felt like it combined with the Roar from the other books really naturally. I also loved to see Perry a little more relaxed, without the Blood Lord pressure! I really liked the concept of bringing the readers back to the Mainland, too. There are a lot of details about that world to explore that weren’t touched on in the first three books.

A few things that bothered me:
First (and this bothered me the most out of everything)- I really didn’t like how easy it was all of a sudden to get through the wall of Aether to travel back and forth from the Still Blue to the mainland. It really minimized the whole point of Into the Still Blue and really the whole original trilogy. It was such a big deal how Cinder was the ONLY way through the wall of Aether and everyone agonized so much over the decision. Then this book making it immediately super easy to travel back and forth was really off-putting. It didn’t even take 50 pages to figure out a way through and after that it wasn’t really mentioned.
Second- the beginning of Roar and Tempest’s relationship felt so contrived. I will say in the second half of the book, I really enjoyed the two’s interactions. But, the plot for them to get married didn’t make any sense to me and seemed full of plot holes. It was like the author couldn’t figure out a way for the two to have to stay together and she was just throwing ideas at the wall to see what would stick. I feel like there had to have been a better way to do that.
Third- it just felt like there was too much going on, too many ideas for this book. There’s one throwaway line that hints about the Dwellers having developed some control over the Aether and the group maybe going to check that out and then it’s basically never mentioned again. Something similar happens with the idea of Perry retaking the Tides; this book just doesn’t have the space to give these ideas the pages they deserve. I would LOVE to read these ideas fleshed out in other books, but they’re just too much for this book.

[Linds]

omg omg omg omg



I'm so insanely excited for this. I ADORED Roar in this trilogy, and now he has his own book!!

Under the Never Sky is one of my all-time favorite series -- so it's definitely time for a re-read and then ROAR'S BOOK!! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

[Lindsey S. Frantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Under the Never Sky trilogy will always be one of my favorites. This fourth book met all my expectations and then some. I honestly can’t wait to read it again and I’ve only just read the final page. This is the story Roar deserves!

[Nichole Camacho · Rating 5 out of 5]

yay!!!!

Thank you for writing more of Roar and continuing this story. I love the trilogy, have read it multiple times, what a treat this book was!

[Marie]

*grabbiest of grabby hands*

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Self published, this explains a lot. I'll give some leeway for that. I'd still like it to be tighter.

[Jessica (a GREAT read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally picked up Veronica Rossi’s Roar of the Tides which is an add on to the Under the Never Sky series featuring the beloved Roar and man was it awesome!
I’ll admit I entered this one with hesitation as it’s been a very long time since I read the original trilogy but after going through some recaps I was able to get a refresher that made diving in more manageable otherwise.

Roar, Perry, Aria, and everyone else are living in the Still Blue happy and content. Well, Roar is more or less content, not happy but managing. He still mourns the loss of Liv and being around his happy friends can be trying sometimes. But when he overhears a distress call through the radio he decides a rescue mission is just what he needs to get his mind off of things.

Tempest has been pretty much in hiding for a year or so now. We learn fairly quickly that Tempest is the sister of the late Sable, the main villain of the original trilogy. Tempest had sent a distress call out, hoping that she could connect with her older brother whom she hasn’t seen in years, so imagine her surprise when Roar and Perry show up!

To say that this book is rife with tension is putting it mildly. The big glaring problems are addressed somewhat early on. Tempest learns who Roar is or what her brother led her to believe in the letters they wrote to each other.

But then comes in the fake marriage situation and Roar and Tempest will have to work together in order to help save their people. Tempest is ready to take over ruling the land Sable was running before going all grrr angry with the world but she has more enemies than you would expect.

I have to say that despite my misgivings about being able to ease back into this world I was able to do so fairly well all things considered. You do have to have read the first three books in order to follow along with this one as it’s a fourth installment that takes place a year after the last book’s events.

I absolutely loved the tension in this one! Roar and Tempest have a very complicated relationship going on. They go from attraction to loathing then back to attraction again! Once they get past the loathing, it was very sweet! I loved seeing them go through all the emotions. Having Perry there was also super cool! I love his and Roar’s friendship. I was a little bummed that Aria stayed behind for this adventure though.

This was a well-paced novel too and the action was balanced just right with the quieter moments too! It made for a read I simply could not put down! Better yet we get both Roar and Tempest’s points of view.

Roar of the Tides was a wonderful trip back to an amazing dystopian series! I loved all the nostalgia that the story contained and the fresh influx of new characters. This is not a book to be missed if you read the original stories, it is Roar after all and makes for a highly entertaining read! If you haven’t yet started this action packed dystopian series now is the time!


Overall Rating 4.5/5 stars

[Anni J. Crowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still in love with this wonderful character I fell in love with 12 years ago and instantly became my favourite character in any book ever!! This novel was exactly what I needed and what Roar deserved 🫶🏼 Cannot wait to see if there will be other sequels of this story!!

[Beth Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of my favorites, back for another whirl through the aether.

[Ellie J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars
Recommended if you like: dystopian books, Under the Never Sky, 2010s YA

I was obsessed with the UtNS trilogy back in the early 2010s, so when I heard about this I had to get it. I reread the original trilogy last year in preparation and enjoyed the reread. I actually understood a lot more of Rossi's worldbuilding and references this time around (I particularly liked Panop = panopticon, like, really?!). So those books were still pretty fresh in my mind as I read this.

That being said...I feel like it would've been helpful if Rossi had gone back and reread her trilogy before writing this because there were some things here that were just...off. I understand that this book was written at least in part for us fans, so I am grateful we got to see more of Roar's story. I just wish that things were more faithful to what happened in UtNS and the things people sacrificed.

For starters, I was wondering coming into the book how Tempest was in a place to be rescued by Roar in the first place considering the massive aether wall around the Still Blue. The solution? There are now apparently holes in the aether surrounding the Still Blue, which is what allows Roar to leave to go help Tempest. This just felt...so wrong. It's not like getting to the Still Blue was a walk in the park. People died and now, a measly year later, they're look 'oh whoops, looks like there are holes and we can pass through.' Poor Cinder. That boy was just used and used and used his whole life.

Then, once Roar and co. are back on the Dweller/Outsider land, it turns out the aether storms are gone? Like...not just calmed down from their intensity the year before, they are just straight up not happening. Even before everything in Into the Still Blue, both Perry and Aria said/remembered the aether storms had been around for generations, it's why the Dwellers live in pods. Aria and Perry both had to deal with aether storms left and right throughout the trilogy, though there was a clear escalation in ItSB. But in this book there's not a single storm. At all. Nobody ever worries about the aether or really comments on being wary of it. There are hints that Rossie is going to write another book centered around Soren and him trying to figure out how the Dwellers are controlling the aether (?), but that whole thing just feels so confusing and like just a retcon of what we know from the original trilogy.

Anyway, Tempest sends out a distress call trying to reach her brother, not realizing he's dead. Roar, Perry, Soren, and some others leave the Still Blue to find her. This chick. She gets so up in arms that they're upset there aren't 43 people to rescue like she promised, never mind the fact that it's a dangerous world and these strangers literally risked their lives to help her, regardless of whether they came from the Still Blue or elsewhere. You can imagine the kind of conclusions she jumps to when she finds out her brother is dead.

I'll be honest, the plot was entertaining, but it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. It turns out the Horns are still going pretty strong, and now that Tempest not only knows her brother is dead but also still has Nightrose after her, she decides to take control of the Horns, which ends up being what a lot of the book is about. Honestly though...I don't really care about the Horns (I would like to know when they got coffee though, who tf is growing coffee in this world? It's way too cold for the Horns to be doing it). I care about Roar and Perry and Aria, and I wish the book was more about the characters. That being said, Roar does a lot of healing while with the Horns and his penchant for getting people to open up is really on display here.

At the start of the book, Roar is not in a particularly good place. He's still grieving Liv's loss and, secondary to that, the loss of his old life. He really struggles day-to-day and it especially doesn't help that he feels a loss of purpose since coming to the Still Blue. Going after Tempest allows him a chance to change up the routine, and being back in danger again really seems to wake him up. As the story progresses and he gets closer to Tempest, he starts thinking back more on his relationship to Liv and how it wasn't as perfect as he idolizes in his mind. In fact, Liv at times seems pretty fucking terrible. Was she this bad in the OG trilogy? There was a short story about her and Roar and I feel like I remember their relationship being sweet. Also, Perry doesn't seem like the type to put up with that. But regardless, Roar is able to eventually come back to his pre-Liv's-death self and it was great seeing him like that again.

Tempest has been on the run since she escaped Nightrose at her brother's request a year prior. She's desperate for safety again and longs to be reunited with Sable who, as mentioned, she doesn't know is dead. Tempest, apparently, also has no idea the kind of person Sable was when alive as he sent her to the Night tribe to be a hostage when she was still a child and the two solely communicated through letters. As a result, Sable was able to control the narrative and manipulate her into thinking certain things, like, say, that Roar was Liv's jealous ex-lover and killed her. Despite these manipulations, Tempest actually seems to get over things pretty quickly and 'unlearns' a lot of her brother's machinations overnight. I think I would've preferred to see this be a longer process for Tempest since Sable was her only family and he literally did attempt to brainwash her for years via letter. Regardless, I have mixed feelings about Tempest because I did like her, but then she turned around and would do something impulsive that ended up hurting someone else, usually Roar.

While we do get some valuable Roar-Perry bonding, and we really see how much Perry is trying to help Roar, I wish Aria was in this book more. She stays behind on Still Blue while they go off on the rescue mission, but Roar and Aria had formed a special bond after Liv's death, particularly with them both being Auds, and I feel like their relationship was kind of ignored here. Roar says Liv was apparently bothered by the mindreading thing, but Roar and Aria spoke that way all the time, and I feel like Rossi kind of forgot that. We get hints of their friendship toward the end when Aria shows back up, but I wish we saw more of it.

Another thing that bothered me toward the end of the book was that Roar spends time trying to convince Perry to at least visit the Tides' lands and acknowledge their worth (which is fine), but then toward the end Perry is all like 'yeah, lets oust the people living there now because I want the land even though we're not living there and I hated being a Blood Lord.' Sorry, what? Deciding to eventually retake the Tides' land feels like a massive slap in the face of everything everyone went through to find safety. It feels like a massive rejection of the life they've built in the Still Blue, which includes people from multiple tribes and is governed via council and public democracy rather than a single Blood Lord. Perry hated being in charge. While I understand nostalgia, it makes 0 sense for him to want to go through the trouble of retaking the land. And if he does retake the land, that poses another question: will the Tides stay in the Still Blue? Or is everyone just going to move home and act like none of it ever happened? It just felt like such a weird decision and a 180 on Perry's part, especially since he says earlier in the book that he doesn't want the land back.

And related to that...is Roar staying with the Horns? Like, it isn't necessarily the easiest trip back to the Still Blue, and if he stays with Tempest, which seems likely, then he won't be with Aria and Perry or any of the Tides anymore. While I'm glad Roar seems to have healed, it seems sad and a little disjointed that that comes at the cost of everything else he holds dear. Or are the Tides really returning to Tide land, which, see above.

Anyway, this was an entertaining book and, despite the many complaints I list here, I actually enjoyed reading it. That being said, the entire time I couldn't help but think this was a massive disservice to everything that happened in the original trilogy and really discredits the pain and struggle the characters went through. I would've liked to see something that didn't erase that while still giving Roar his own story.

[Kaelee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m ready to rant. I read this series in high school- It was one of my favorites. I don’t know how I only just found out about the fourth book!? I’ve reread all of them, and I am so glad Roar got a happy ending. I’ve always loved his character. He deserved to find happiness after losing Liv the way he did. Add in the enemies to lovers and a forced marriage?? Please, I ate that up. Could it have been executed better? In my opinion, yes, but it was still a good love story that I enjoyed because of the connection I have with his character.

Roar really found himself with Tempest, and it made perfect sense to me that he’d become so important. A Blood Lord of the Horns is crazy after what happened with Sable, but again, I always appreciate angst between love interests. Tempest is nothing like Sable, thankfully. Her and Roar are perfect for each other. They’re both strong yet vulnerable. Veronica Rossi is so talented in making spectacular characters you resonate with. And the banter was too good.


That said, I rated this book 3 stars because it felt, well, separate from the first three to me. And no where near as good. The characters were a little off kilter, and the “dystopian” world experience a little more modern. It felt a bit like fan fiction, honestly, and if it was that I’d give it a 5/5. But it’s not. It almost seems like the author took too much time in between writing the third book and this one that she fell out of touch with the world she built.

And if this is the final book in the series.. It made the story totally incomplete. Especially Aria and Perry’s story. I think Roar should have found his happiness, and Aria and Perry should have kept theirs with Talon in the Still Blue. I mean, some of the plot just isn’t adding up. After Perry killed Sable, he was adamant about creating a democracy in Cinder. Now he wants to go back into the aether to reclaim old land AFTER finding a promise-land?!

I hope there will be another book. I’d love one with Soren’s or Perry’s perspective that would answer all the of the questions I now have. Unless there’s more to the story and they’re going to end up conquering the aether somehow, I’m 100% unsatisfied. Because their world was saved when they made it to the Still Blue. Now everything is up in the air again and it feels unfinished to me. I also think making the still blue travel-able without the character Cinder or someone like him diminishes plot lines in the other books. I think my main issue with this book is that the first three books in the series lead up to the aether basically setting the world on fire, excluding the Still Blue. And now all of a sudden the series real main antagonist (the aether) is no longer life threatening. Yeah, that detail can’t be left up in air.

[Lynnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very happy to learn this book was being released as I really enjoyed Veronica Rossi’s Under the Never Sky series. Roar was one of my favorite characters so I was very happy to spend time with him as the main character. I was not disappointed.

I enjoyed the story from start to finish and being back with these characters didn’t fail to put a smile on my face. Rossi did a great job of recapturing their voices (something that doesn’t always happen with so much time between books), and her writing style was fun to read. That said, there were definitely a few things that had me rolling me eyes to the back of my head and kept me from giving this book five stars.

The main was is the Aether. The entirety of Into the Still Blue was about how to get through the Aether. They literally sacrificed a character to get through the Aether, but now just one year later they just find an easy way through all of a sudden and then poof! It’s never a problem again. Seriously?

But, the good absolutely outweighed the bad in this book. I loved revisiting so many characters and getting to know new ones, and I love that Rossi wrote them to be loyal and filled with friendship, family, and love for one another.

Rossi leaves plenty of loose ends if she wants to write additional sequels- it’s been long enough that the thought of it doesn’t even make me mad. Talk to me three sequels from now. Ha!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

No amount of words can express what this book means to me. I’ve reread the first three every year since the third one’s publication, and the characters hold so much power over me that I practically devoured this book. I had to physically stop myself from reading it so fast because it was supposed to be my lunchtime book for work.

Roar is such an enigmatic character, and his growth from the “rancy bastard” we met in the woods to who he becomes by the end of the book is astounding. He was always more than just a side character or comedic relief to me, but this book solidified it as we earned his point of view.

*** Not technically spoilers but I will be talking about the theme of the book ***



I think the message of the book is such a beautiful one, and it shows how people can grow and that our past and the previous treatment we received in our youth and early adulthood does not dictate the quality of love we receive nor does it determine our worthiness of that love.

I think it points out how people can come from different walks of life and still see eye to eye, and how our past does not define us nor does our families.

The found family trope is most common in dystopians for obvious reasons, but this book series seems to perfectly incorporate found family with other tropes that I wouldn’t have necessarily thought to add.

I’m so grateful to have this book, and will be even more excited for my yearly rereads now that I have this one to tack on to the end.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The new community has been living in their new territory in the Still Blue for about a year when they receive an SOS from someone back on the other side of the aether curtain. A small group (which excludes Aria and Talon) travels back to their old land to attempt a rescue. However, upon their arrival, situations have changed and they run into misunderstandings, failing technology, and political struggles which need to be worked out before they can attempt to return to the Still Blue.

Although the premise felt unlikely to me, I went along with it to spend more time with these characters. But I felt much of the novel was overly contrived and a few of the characters I loved were acting completely differently or mostly absent from the story. I found it very easy to put down after a chapter or two and then would forget about the book for a few days. Perhaps it was just a bad time for me to read it. But this one lacked the luster of the original three for me and never grabbed me.

I never really got behind Tempest. And it took a good portion of the book before Roar seemed interesting. So, while I enjoyed seeing Roar get a happy ending, I don’t feel this installment came close to the quality of the trilogy. The author had never intended to write it when she finished the trilogy and, sadly, it shows. It had some good moments which is why I’m being generous and giving it 3 stars. But if I hadn’t enjoyed the other three novels, I probably wouldn’t have finished this one.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not even sure how to put my thoughts into words with this book — I was SO excited for it because Roar is without a doubt my favorite character from the original trilogy. I love him to death! I was also excited because I love a good healing journey in books — and I was ready to see him get one.

While I did love reading every Roar pov — his pain and the way he wants to heal but can’t find himself BROKE me — there were times when it almost didn’t feel like him. His and Aria’s friendship felt like it didn’t exist — and that’s my favorite part of the original trilogy. His healing also happened so fast which threw me, but I did love seeing his joy at feeling alive again🥹

Additionally, plot wise??? I’m sorry— we just undid the entire plot of the first 3 books. Literally WHAT WAS THAT?! It was so hard to read knowing what Perry and Co. go through in the original books. Like…Cinder sacrificed himself to get to the still blue so that Perry can go and take BACK THE TIDES’ ORIGINAL LAND?? Are they all going to move back there now??? Is it just for talon to rule over and whoever else wants to go back there?? Also Roar being in Rim for good breaks my heart only because I love his and Perry’s and Aria’s and Soren’s friendships!! And now he won’t get to be around his og chosen family 😭

I still love Veronica Rossi’s writing and the first third of this book was definitely my favorite! But the rest…mixed feelings over!!

[IceFire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so I love Roar more than any other character in any media ever, so don’t expect this to be objective in any way. I once lost points on an assignment in school when we had to describe a book character because my piece read “too much like fangirling”. It was.

I was a little worried going into this book 10 years after the original series, the characters only aging a year in that time and now much younger than me. But from page one the magic was there.

The story is maybe a bit predictable and some things just happen conveniently at the right time, but all in all I loved it, it was nicely paced, I loved seeing all the guys again (and it is mostly just the guys, I would love some more scenes with my girl Aria). But it is Roar’s story and so there’s no other option but to love it.

I really hope there is a sequel (please!!!) since I would buy and read a hundred books about him. But even just this one was more then I ever dared hope we would get.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had been so long since I read Under the Never Sky, so I actually reread it this year before diving into Roar of the Tides, thinking I wanted to have it fresh in my memory. Turns out, while I enjoyed the reread, that was really not necessary. It was an entirely separate story from the trilogy, although there were some overlapping players and history. Perry has a bit part, and Roar is the star (if you couldn't guess by that title!). He ends up getting roped into an arranged marriage with the younger sister of Sable of the Horns, but of course there is attraction there that starts to develop as the story goes on.

I loved the glimpse into the territories and people of the other tribes that are still living under the Aether, and I appreciated that their quest had nothing to do with the Still Blue. It was a little bit slow at times, but overall the pace was okay and the action towards the second half was great.

Don't miss this one if you were a fan of the earlier books!

[Christina Donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off THANK YOU to Veronica Rossi for writing and self-publishing this book! When I discovered it I was a bit surprised that I hadn't seen it coming, but now it makes sense that there was no marketing push. I'm only sad I didn't find it sooner! Finishing Roar's story was a lovely idea and the way it was done was surprising and satisfying. Coincidentally I had just reread the original trilogy. I appreciated that Roar and Tempest started off poorly and then incrementally discovered each other. (Like Perry and Aria.) Some parts felt a bit rushed, but this series has always excelled best at character and dialogue so I can forgive a few sped up plot points. I also enjoyed the backstory on Roar, which could have contradicted the earlier trilogy, but instead allowed us to get behind a fast-paced romantic storyline. Giving Liv some flaws in retrospect made room for Tempest, who herself was a lovely addition to the cast. I vote YES for Soren's story!

[Renata Franco · Rating 5 out of 5]

So nice to be back in this universe! This story has ince again made me smile, I was so happy to hear about these characteres again!

The ending leaves room for more stories, I hope Veronica writes more! I missed hearing about Aria more in this book, maybe in the next one she could have a more important role (just like Perry did in this one! It was so nice that he was around even though not as the main character anymore)

Overall, I’m so happy I got to read this ❤️❤️

[☾⋆⁺ Nurse After Dark]

OH. MY. GOODNESS.

This is a thing. Why didn't I know this was a thing?! I am DYING to get my hands on this!

I guess its time for an Under the Never Sky series reread :D Oh, DARN...

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

What was the point of going to the Still Blue if they were just going to come back? How are people who stayed behind still alive? When did Perry learn how to read or even seem interested in doing so? Why didn’t Sable bring his sister? So many plot holes making it impossible to accept what was happening.

[Kym · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I don't usuaully like it when a 10 year old trilogy gets revisited to make it a longer series, this was still an enjoyable read. I remembered enough of the original books to know the gist, but it also had enough new plot to it not being essential to remember details. I'm guessing there will be a book 5.

[Viktoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this book!! I love Roar and I'm so happy he's finally happy, and it's been so wonderful to read about everyone again and seeing what they're up to now and I absolutely need more so please miss Veronica Rossi give us more 🙏🙏🙏

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does anyone know when this comes out???