Under the Never Sky stood out for me among the crowd of YA dystopias, enough that I had high hopes for this sequel. But I've been disappointed before when a first book promised a good series that just fell apart instead. This one, though, is on the right track. 
 That's not to say the book is without flaws, just like the first one wasn't (no book is, really, but these could had been better, the potential us there). Some things felt rushed, there were parts worth brushing over, but the story could have used more depth, been richer in details, especially when a certain character changes course (to call it something). As it was, felt too easy, like it never should had been in a problem in the first place. It was like going back to the ending of UtNS, where Aria's handed a task that should've been deemed impossible for her. Things like that chip away believability from the story (I'm talking about what's believable within the frame of that fictional world, not ours, of course). 
 Also, for some reason this one read more like a first book than the previous one, which was more polished. For example, a paragraph plagued with adjectives and adverbs somehow made it through the edits. But it's still a good writing effort--a clear voice, beautiful narration. The characters as layered and complex as I remember them from UtNS. The plot simple but multifaceted. 
 That's probably my favorite part about this book. A lot of YA novels seem to have a single-minded approach, more often than not of a romantic nature. While there's certainly romance in TtEN--at times sweet, others intense--the story was more about Aria and Perry finding their way as individuals. It was so refreshing to see Perry shouldering responsibilities, doing what he had to even if he didn't want to. And Aria, holding up her friend, learning where she belonged. It is those things that can bring two people closer together, stronger, and they're so often neglected in this type of book. Thus far in these books, having a job means doing it, and not only when it's convenient; and Aria and Perry have not deluded themselves into thinking their relationship is the center of the universe. I cannot praise the author enough for either one. 
 Through the Ever Night is a solid middle book. Had plenty of action and internal struggle to keep the pace going through its short length. Advanced the main arc while providing enough new conflict and resolution to satisfy at the end. And set the stage for the conclusion, managing to renew my interest in how these characters will fare to have me eagerly awaiting the next.