Polaris Rising

December 1, 2018

DEBUT Ada von Hasenburg is the fifth of six children, and as a member of one of the High Houses that head the Royal Consortium and rule the universe, she's worth a lot to her family. Rather than be married off to rival house member Richard Rockhurst, Ada decides to run away. Discovered after two years, she's locked away with the notorious Devil of Fornax Zero, Marcus Loch. When their ship is intercepted by one from House Rockhurst, captained by none other than Ada's discarded fiancé, she knows that in his hands she will be no more than a prisoner and a detriment to her house. So what else can a space princess do but make a deal with a devil? Smart dialog among sharp-witted characters, as well as tight action scenes and a bit of sex and romance all come together for an exciting tale across the stars. VERDICT This fun debut frolics through the space opera setup with an exciting and brave new heroine.--Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2018
Mihalik debuts with the first book of a science-fiction trilogy filled with high-tech action, political intrigue, and steamy romance.Two years ago, Ada von Hasenberg, fifth daughter of the powerful von Hasenberg House, fled the life her father arranged for her: a political engagement to a rival House in order to spy on her husband-to-be. Using all her von Hasenberg training--a skill set that includes hacking, combat, and social manipulation--Ada ran. But when she's captured by bounty hunters eager to claim her father's reward, Ada meets their other prisoner: a dangerous murderer named Loch. Loch's personal magnetism draws Ada even as his violent reputation makes her wary. But when her jilted fiance, Richard Rockhurst, intercepts the bounty hunters' ship, Ada must ally with Loch whether she trusts him or not. Together, they escape Richard and make it to a frozen backwater planet, but Richard pursues. As they evade his men and plan a way to get off-world, Loch and Ada start to trust each other--something that comes naturally to neither of them. When Loch is captured, Ada rescues him with the help of her new ally, a fence named Veronica. The three of them pull off an audacious theft of Richard's ship--and discover that it has technological secrets that could change the balance of power for everyone. The ship isn't the only thing with secrets: Loch's mysterious past threatens the highest levels of government. To save her new (and old) friends, as well as her House, Ada will need to exercise all her ingenuity and ruthlessness and play the political game like the thing she least wants to be: a von Hasenberg.Fast-paced space opera, filled with daring rescues and blaster fire, thrown into high gear by the passionate romance between the lead characters.

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March 1, 2019

As the fifth child of a family of six, 23-year-old Ada von Hasenberg is not particularly valuable to her wealthy family. Her marital alliance and subsequent espionage on behalf of House von Hasenberg (one of the three High Houses that wield power in this universe) are her assets in this carefully plotted novel that blends science fiction and political intrigue. Ada's strength is tempered by her vulnerability. No political plot is complete without a completely unsuitable love interest, and Marcus Loch plays that role well. Initially brought together out of self-preservation, the pair heat up the story with barely restrained sexual tension. Ada and Loch are joined by two unlikely accomplices in their effort to uncover the machinations of House Rockhurst (technology is decidedly on the side of House Rockhurst). Will their discoveries avert a war between the High Houses? The characters and romances are deliciously predictable, and the action is nonstop, though the writing gets slightly repetitive. VERDICT A series starter for those who enjoyed Melissa Landers's "Staflight" series or Sharon Shinn's Shattered Warrior. Purchase for teens who prefer more mature themes and off-planet action.-Jodeana Kruse, R.A. Long High School, Longview, WA

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

This first book in a new romantic sci-fi series is perfect for listeners who like their love stories spiced with a little action. Far in the future, Ada von Hasenberg, whose father is part of the power elite who rule the universe, seeks to escape a planned arranged marriage. In doing so, she joins forces with outlaw Marcus Loch. Narrator Emily Woo Zeller performs the majority of the story in a smooth tone but also includes an undertone of desperation that draws listeners in. She alters the tension in her voice throughout, capturing the slightly frantic voice of Ada perfectly. Her vocal differentiation of Ada and Marcus is superb, making one forget that it's only one talented narrator portraying both characters. This is an immersive romance. N.H. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine