actual rating 4.5 stars 
 I sat for a while contemplating whether or not to give this book 5 stars. The 0.5 was lost not for anything that the booked lacked, it was delightfully full of an interesting setting, a world where the people were forced to make Pods to live underground because the of Aether storms that threatened their lives. Because of the limited space underground they are not fully able to live underground and so they invented the Realms, where they could have virtual experiences that felt real in different era's. On the Outside there are actually people who still live on the earth's surface, suffering for the lack of food and the lethal Aether storms that constantly threaten them. 
 Some of the Outsiders are Marked - born with one of their senses enhanced. Amazing concept that was explored well in the books! I was fascinated by Perry's ability to read emotions through smell. 
 The characters are beautiful, I especially loved Perry! A little battered, self-confident and the way he adores his nephew? Wonderful. Aria is brave and sweet. Roar, hilarious. Their interactions and hilarious and sweet. 
 The pace was great, no time to get bored with all that happened. 
 The only reason I can give for not giving it a full five stars is that it didn't sink it's claws into me, slowly pull me below the surface and refuse to let go. Don't get me wrong, this is a brilliant book. if you haven't read it yet, then read it. 
 I feel like I should have similar feelings as I did for The Lumatere chronicles, but that awe just isn't there. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series, hopefully the awe will find me then!