You know a book is fantastic when the pages seem to fly. Before we knew it, we had devoured the entire “Under The Never Sky” series by Veronica Rossi.

 

Though her books are geared towards a younger audience, the violence in the series is stark and unrelenting. The story takes place in a ravaged world set in the future, divided between the technologically advanced elite society and the marginalized primitive tribes living off a bleak and dying Earth.

 

As the land is destroyed by mysterious cosmic storms called Aether, both groups must come together to find a new home beyond the storms.

 

The world that Veronica has built is so complex and detailed that you can already picture it on the big screen. The author, along with fellow YA novelists Tahereh Mafi and Ransom Riggs, were brought here recently by National Book Store to sign books and meet fans.

 

Super sat down with Veronica to talk to her about trading in her paintings for stories, rocking a bow and arrow for research, and why dogs are awesome.

 

Had you written other books prior to the series?

 

I wrote two manuscripts before “Under The Never Sky,” and those are in a drawer at home; I had two practice manuscripts before this one.

 

Did you ever think “Under The Never Sky” was a practice manuscript or did you immediately know that it was the one?

 

I knew I was onto something; I didn’t know if I what I felt was “This is it,” but it felt like I had found something I was excited about. I knew that no matter what happened, it was going to be worth it because I was writing the story I wanted to read. So whether I sold it or not, I was prepared to accept either outcome.

 

What were you reading when you were growing up?

 

There really wasn’t a YA section back then. I read a lot of Judy Blume, I read Stephen King and a lot of high fantasy, “Lord of the Rings,” “Chronicles of Narnia,” Susan Cooper.

 

How much research went into the writing of the books? The ship you built (the Komodo) was awesome.

 

I researched everything from the space shuttle to military craft but I really just wanted to create something of my own. I did research on the Smarteye, and where the technology’s going. I took archery lessons, so I could write about that without sounding like I had no idea what it was.

 

That scene between Perry and Vale was really brutal; did your editor ever consider nixing that?

 

Nope. My editor was really awesome, she trusted me. There’s violence in the books; I don’t think it’s hugely gory as a trilogy but the moments where it had to go there, she never flinched, and that gave me confidence as a storyteller.

 

The books were written within a year of each other; did you already know how it was going to end or did it happen organically?

 

I knew where I wanted to go, but I was willing to change and modify if I wanted to—I do a rough plan then I let myself go off road.

 

We have to ask about Flea. We’re huge dog lovers, and we just wanted to thank you for not letting him drown or die from hunger.

 

I’m so glad someone’s asking about Flea. I know! My editor and I joked like what if Sable killed Flea, and that was the one time where she goes, “No. I don’t think so.”

 

So killing one’s brother is OK, but no one touches the dog.

 

Yeah, it’s funny. I was, “OK, OK, forget I mentioned it.” I love that dog. I knew there were dog lovers out there so I’m glad.

 

Did you have a dog when you were growing up?

 

I’ve always had a dog. Our dog now is Lola, she’s really great, super cute. She’s my little writing friend, she’s always there when I write.

 

If you could be a Dweller or an Outsider, which would you choose to be?

 

I think I’d be a Dweller. I’d like to say I’d be an Outsider because I do love being outside, but I’m not a real survivalist. If you throw me out there, I can use a bow and arrow, I’d be OK with that, but I don’t know if I have it in me to start a fire to keep warm, build a shelter. I like a bathtub, curling up on a soft couch with my half-poodle, and watching a movie.

 

You took archery, you’re obviously confident about your proficiency; did it also occur to you to take a survivalist boot camp?

 

I read a ton of books; it’s easier to read a book (laughs). In the scene where Perry tests to see if the berries are poisonous, that comes right out of the British Special Forces manual, all the steps are in there. I read it and thought, “I think I can use this.”

 

In a flirty way.

 

Yeah, I think I put a little spin to it. I’d love to see the Special Forces do the berry test the way that Perry and Aria did, that would be awesome.

 

Where did the concept of the Aether come from?

 

I wanted to have something epic and devastating and awful. I grew up swimming in summer and I’d sink to the bottom of the swimming pool, and you know how when you look up the water does this sort of cool thing where the light dances on the water? I’ve always loved that. That image to me is a big part of my childhood, so that was the visual that I decided to incorporate into the story.

 

Did you always want to become a writer?

 

No. I was a painter first. I went to art school, I was selling paintings, and then I had my first son. I used to paint in long, obsessive spurts, sometimes for 18-24 hours, and I couldn’t do that with a baby. I started getting really frustrated because I didn’t have a creative outlet anymore, so I kind of needed something that I could do and pick up and put down. I always kept sketchbooks when I was growing up, and I would write poetry and short stories in them. I used to write probably 10 percent of my time and paint 90 percent, but now it’s the opposite.

 

There are plenty of Aria and Roar shippers out there, but we loved that you kept their relationship as best friends just that.

 

They have a lot of chemistry together, but I really felt like they both loved other people. I think that they were wise enough to accept things the way they were. I understand love triangles, though. I absolutely get it, because when you’re at that age, sometimes you’re just confused.

 

How was it like saying goodbye to them? Did you cry?

 

Yeah, I did. It was hard, but good, because by the end I was also excited to do new things. I think I was a little tired of being with the same characters for five years so I was ready for a break. Now that I’ve had a break, I miss those guys.

 

Do you have plans to return to that world?

 

No plans. But my dad called me the other day and was like, “I got the perfect spin-off book for Roar.” He told me this big story and I was like, “Thank you, but no thank you.” He was so funny. He goes, “I just don’t think you should stop a good thing.”

 

It’s adorable how your dad’s not over the series. Did he ever bug you for spoilers after the first book was published?

 

He totally did! The idea to poison the tattoos was his. I was gonna have Aria be poisoned during the ceremony and his idea was to have the poison be in the tattoo ink, and that was brilliant. I asked him to take credit for it, and he said, “No problem.” He’s really creative. I always listen because he has great ideas.

 

The books would make a great series on The CW. But they would probably have Aria and Roar hook up.

 

It’s The CW. Of course they would.

 

You mentioned working on a new series. Is it going to be fantasy-themed, too?

 

It’s set in this world, but it’s a fantasy, kind of like my version of “The Avengers.”

 

Veronica Rossi’s books are available at National Book Store, and as eBooks at www.kobobooks.com.Visit www.nationalbookstore.com.ph and follow them on Twitter/Instagram: @nbsalert.