Today, as part of the All Male Review Challenge, I'm absolutely thrilled to welcome young adult author Veronica Rossi to the blog to answer a few questions about Under the Never Sky. Because this entire challenge is obviously and deliciously boy-centric, I've focused all my questions on Perry specifically, and have even directed a few to Perry himself. I have to say, I'm enjoying this all male theme, I think we should do it more often ;-) If you haven't read Under the Never Sky yet, I can't recommend it enough, it's one of my very favorite reads of the year so far. Everyone needs to meet Perry!
Perry is an undeniably attractive young man, earning every dreamy sigh that escapes our lips when we’re reading. Which other young adult character do you think would have a chance (however small) to rival Aria for Perry's affections?
Oh, wow. I’m going to answer this question with the huge caveat that Aria would obviously be totally out of the picture. So, in an Aria-less world, maybe Karou from Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone? Or maybe that’s just my personal love for her shining through. She’s an extraordinary character and totally relatable at the same time.
Perry has always lived outside Reverie, never experiencing the digital world of the Realms as Aria did. What aspect of the Realms do you think he would find most fascinating/disturbing/exciting?
He’d testing the limits of what’s possible physically. Flying. Swimming underwater without having to breathe. Zero gravity games.
As much as the Realms are dimensional and real, they’re a very “in your head” kind of place, full of imagination and whimsy. I think Perry would ultimately get bored very quickly. He’s a very physical and grounded character. At the end of the day, he’d choose the quiet of the woods over any simulated reality.
In Under the Never Sky, chapters alternate between Aria and Perry. Did you actually write them in alternating order, or did you focus entirely on one character first before switching?
Usually, I write alternating but sometimes I’ll stay with a character for a few chapters, or even draft a chapter from both POVs to see which one I prefer for that point in the story.
Though getting a male point of view in young adult literature is slowly becoming more common, the ratio between male and female is still drastically skewed in favor of female POVs. Name one male character whose POV you’d love a chance to read if it were possible.
I love reading male POV when it’s done well. Finnick’s perspective of The Hunger Games would be interesting to read. He had a lot of depth and charisma, and it would be fun to see the world through his eyes.
If Perry could ask you one question about how you wrote him as a character, or how you depicted his world, what do you think he would most like to know?
This is a great question. I think he’d probably want to know why I gave him the hair he has, which I call the post-apocalyptic surf shag. The answer is that my son has hair like that—streaky blond and always a mess of waves that twist in all directions--and I adore it. I’m probably the only mom who doesn’t make her kid brush his hair. It looks better wild. And it suits him.
What do you think Aria would say is the main difference between her view of Perry in the beginning of Under the Never Sky, and her understanding of him at the end?
In the beginning, she sees him as vicious, uncivilized and cold-hearted. In the end, she realizes that he is vicious, but only mildly uncivilized and actually very warm-hearted.
Let’s say you’re sitting across from Perry in a speed-dating situation. What’s the first thing you would say to him to ensure you stood out in his memory?
I can field dress a deer in twenty minutes flat.
QUICK QUESTIONS FOR PERRY
Give us one word you hope Aria would use when describing you.
Good.
(Note from Veronica: SS, I’m not sure if he means that he’s good by nature or good at something. If it’s the latter of the two, I wonder what, specifically, he’s referring to. That he’s good at hunting? Maybe something else?)
Fondest memory?
It’s hard to pick just one. The day my nephew Talon was born. The first time I kissed Aria. Any day I ever beat at Roar at something. (grins) I’m especially fond of those memories.
First thing you learned about hunting/tracking?
Patience is your ally. It’s something I’m still trying to learn.
Biggest weakness?
Easy one. Aria.
Favorite moment with Aria?
(smiles) All of them.
Thank you so much for being a part of the All Male Review Challenge Veronica and Perry! More information on Veronica and her books can be found here:
Website
Blog
Amazon Buy Link
GIVEAWAY
Today I'm offering up a copy of Under the Never Sky to one lucky winner! Also, because the blog was out of commission during the giveaway hop earlier in the month and I couldn't participate, I'm adding an additional book of your choice to the prize as well. This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL as long as the Book Depository delivers to your country. To enter, please just follow the blog via GFC (on the right sidebar) and leave a comment with a valid email address so I can contact you if you win. Giveaway will run through midnight on Friday the 27th after which time a winner will be chosen and emailed. Good luck everyone!
