I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Polaris Rising by Jessie Mihalik Series: Consortium Rebellion #1
Published by Harper Voyager on February 5 2019
Genres: Adult, Science fiction
Pages: 448
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
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The nitty-gritty: A delightful blend of romance, edge-of-your-seat action, family secrets and plenty of high stakes danger, Polaris Rising is set to be one of my favorite series starters of 2019.
Wow, I had so much fun reading this book! I don’t know what I was expecting, but Jessie Mihalik has written a thrilling and romantic story that hit all the right notes for me. Now, if you’re cringing at the word “romance,” please don’t. Yes, this is unabashedly a romance, but it’s also a rip-roaring adventure and action-packed space opera. If you want a comparison, it sort of reminded me of Star Wars and the relationship between Leia and Han Solo. The romance does not take over the story at all, so don’t let it stop you from reading this book.
The story centers around Ada von Hasenberg, the youngest daughter of the von Hasenberg family, one of the three families of the Royal Consortium. Ada has grown up with wealth and opportunity, but as the youngest daughter, it’s her fate to be married off by her father to a man from a rival House. But Ada has other plans for her life, and so after hearing rumors that her father has set up her engagement to Richard Rockhurst, Ada takes off, leaves Earth and for the next two years, spends her time dodging bounty hunters and trying to hide from her father.
When the story opens, she’s just been caught by mercenaries and finds herself on a ship bound for Earth. After getting a few punches in, Ada is thrown into a cell with none other than Marcus Loch, a notorious murderer nicknamed “The Devil of Fornax Zero” who has an even bigger bounty on his head than Ada does. Ada and Loch immediately distrust each other, but they realize that their only hope of getting off the ship before they reach Earth is to work together. When Ada discovers that the Rockhurst family is hiding a huge secret weapon, one that could possibly start a war, Ada knows she must use her knowledge to help clear Loch’s name and get her own freedom back.
I’ve given you just the broad strokes of the story, because I don’t want to spoil it for you. Polaris Rising was a thrill ride from start to finish with barely any down time for the characters, who are literally running themselves ragged trying to stay one step ahead of the men who are trying to capture them. Mihalik’s pacing was excellent, and at no time did I ever want to stop turning the pages! Ada is a superbly written female protagonist. She’s strong, smart and resourceful, and she knows how to take care of herself. But she’s also human, and I loved that the author pushes her to the brink of survival time and time again. Ada is strong, but she’s no superhero. She needs Loch’s help more than once during the story, but he needs her help too, which made them well balanced as a couple.
When we are first introduced to Loch, he’s your typical gruff, sarcastic male character, and you just know there are going to be sparks between him and Ada. But Mihalik delves below the surface and we soon see that Loch is misunderstood and has been wrongly blamed for a tragedy that happened years ago. And yes, there is immediate sexual tension between Loch and Ada. If you read a lot of romances then you will spot the typical formula used in 99% of them, but Mihalik does a great job of incorporating those elements into her story without sacrificing plot development. There are two other side romances going on in Polaris Rising, in addition to the one between Ada and Loch, and one of them, I’m happy to say, looks like it will be the main feature of the next book in the series!
But for those of you who are here for the action, you will not be disappointed. Mihalik’s world is a fascinating blend of space opera, politics, and rivalries between powerful families, populated with a large cast of well drawn and multi-layered characters. The author is not afraid to put her characters in danger, so get ready for some very tense moments, daring escapes and plenty of chase scenes. This is a big story that takes place in space and on various planets, including Earth, and with a possible war brewing among the Houses, there are plenty of directions Mihalik can take her story in future installments.
And I loved all the future tech in this world. As a member of a House, Ada has nanobots injected in her bloodstream that act as healing agents whenever she’s sick or injured. She also has two chips inserted in her arms. One is her permanent identity chip, something that everyone has, and the other is a secret and highly illegal chip that allows her to switch identities whenever she needs to. So when she runs away from home, she can “hide” by changing her legal identity, thus making it harder for her father to find her. Ada may be the youngest daughter, but she’s been taught survival and fighting skills since childhood, so she’s well prepared to escape from a prison cell and even steal an entire ship! Oh, and she has some cool jewelry that deflects bullets, sort of like Wonder Woman’s magic cuffs!
And just in case you’re thinking that Ada is nothing but a badass woman gunning her way through the galaxy, Mihalik gives her a softer side by showing the wonderful relationship she has with her siblings. Ada may not like her father much, but she adores her sisters Bianca and Hannah, and when they finally get together I loved their interactions. There are some poignant moments at the end of the story that put her future relationship with them in jeopardy, but heartbreaking moments aside, I cannot wait to read more about these sisters.
If some of the action is a bit over the top and unbelievable, I found myself able to overlook some of Ada’s outlandish abilities, simply because I loved this story. Overall this was a wonderful start to the series, and I’m happy to see that book two, Aurora Blazing, is slated to be released this October.
Big thanks to the publisher for supplying a review copy.
I recently enjoyed Mihalik’s The Queen’s Gambit (review to post on Thursday). It is book 1 of the Rogue Queen series and has the same type of nitty gritty as Polaris Rising. So Polaris is definitely on my TBR list.
Ooh, I’m really curious to try The Queen’s Gambit, I saw that she had one other book published. I’m looking forward to your review:-)
You’ve sold me on this one. I don’t dislike romance in my books (although don’t get me started on triangles) but I don’t like that to be the main focus. I need additional things going on with the plot and this one seems to have it. I’ll be looking for this one at my library!
There’s definitely romance, but so much more as well:-)
Sold me too! I enjoy some romance mixed in with a thrilling adventure. Thanks for the great review and introduction to a new series and author, Tammy!
Laura Thomas recently posted…You don’t want to see it coming …… Blood And Rain
It’s a great mix, Laura. Hope you enjoy it:-)
This really sounds like fun! I’ll need a new sci-fi series this year — adding this one to my list!
This is a perfect book to add, plus you can get in on the ground floor of the series:-)
Looks great! Like something I might enjoy. Thanks for the review.
It was fun, I hope you get the chance to read it sometime:-)
This sounds terrific, Tammy, and like an exceptional start to a new series, especially since you were able to forgive some aspects that didn’t work as well. I’m intrigued. Wonderful review!
I’m so excited already for the next book, bring it on!
I’ve had this on my radar for a while, but sounds like it is a definite must-buy! Thanks for the review!
Caitlin G. recently posted…Three Star Read Recommendations
Yes, absolutely a must buy/read:-)
Now this sounds really fun. I haven’t seen much about this, but now that I know what it’s about I have to say I’m hooked. Great review and thanks for sharing this one!
I haven’t seen many reviews around either, although it’s still got another three weeks before it releases. But I’m trying to hype it up, so good!
You managed to pique my curiosity about a story in which romance plays an important part, and let me tell you that this is no mean feat, not at all!! What kind of spell did you use? 😀 😀
Jokes aside, this sounds like the kind of fun story that it’s perfect when you need something light to pick your spirits up. Thanks for sharing!
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…Review: 13 MINUTES, by Sarah Pinborough
Ha ha, I’m the same way, I tend to run the other way when I see romance, but really, there is so much more to this story beside the romance, it’s worth it:-)
I agree, this was such a fun read (my review is scheduled for next week). Glad to see you loved it too!
Lisa @TenaciousReader recently posted…Review: Dark of the West by Joanna Hathaway
I’m looking forward to your review!
Aaaah, you’ve totally convinced me to read this one. Thanks, Tammy!
Sure thing! I hope you love it too:-)
Ahhhhh!! Your review has hyped me even more for this book!
Oh good! I want more people to read it so I have someone to discuss with:-)
Okay, I’m trying not to peek at the more detailed parts of your review because I’m hoping to tackle this book very soon, but I’m so excited that you gave it such a high rating, especially since this is romance/sci-fi!
I thought it was such a blast! Over the top, but fun and really well done.
And now I want to read this book too! *boo hoo*
I didn’t think I’d feel desperate to pick up a book with ‘romance’ in the review but you’ve completely sold me. And now I have all the needs.
Lynn 😀
Sorry Lynn! I’m really curious to have some of my blogger friends read this to see what they thought of the way the romance was integrated into the plot. Let me know!
I’ll admit that I did cringe a little at the word romance but perked up as soon as I continued and saw “Star Wars and the relationship between Leia and Han Solo.” I don’t have many couples that I truly ship, but that’s one of them so yes, please to any relationship that is similar to theirs. 🙂
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday – Most Anticipated Book Releases for the First Half of 2019
I had so much fun with their relationship, and the cool part about this series is that by the end of the book, that relationship is wrapped up, and the next book in the series features a different romance with two of the side characters in this book. I love that idea!
I need this! 😀
Love coming over here, cuz you always have some books i never heard of but prolly should have.
Awww thanks Norrie! I do spend an awful lot of time looking for new books, it’s sort of an obsession:-)
Ooo… you’ve done it again, Tammy! I now NEED this book… Thank you for a cracking review about a book I’m suddenly craving.
I can really see you enjoying this, Sarah!
Okay so I totally skipped this review because I have an ARC and don’t want to be spoiled, but it’s so good to know that you like it! I hope I do too. 🙂