by Jessie Mihalik
Series: Consortium Rebellion #1
Narrator: Emily Woo Zeller
Length: Jessie Mihalik
Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 4 cups
As the seventh of nine children, Ada von Hasenberg knows that her only value to House von Hasenberg is as a political pawn in an arranged marriage. But after watching two of her older sisters get auctioned off to horrible men, Ada refuses to play her part. She flees off-planet and disappears for two years.
Ada’s father, fed up with her rebellion, offers a bounty for her safe return. The universe is a big place, but mercs are everywhere, and Ada is caught. With the merc ship full, she’s forced to share a cell with Marcus Loch, the Devil of Fornax Zero. Rumor has it he murdered every commanding officer who issued orders during the Fornax Rebellion. All anyone knows for sure is that the Royal Consortium wants his head.
Ada has no trouble believing the muscled man chained in the back of her cell is a killer. But when their ship is attacked by forces from rival House Rockhurst, Ada must decide whether to trust him—because once you release the devil, you can’t put him back. And when the attack heralds the opening salvo of a much bigger war, Ada must determine where her loyalties truly lie.
Kate and Curran in SPACE! Seriously, fans of Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series will fall head over heels for Ada and Marcus! Polaris Rising by Jessie Mihalik is the first audiobook in the science fiction fantasy series, Consortium Rebellion narrated by Emily Woo Zeller.
Ada von Hasenberg is the seventh child of the House von Hasenberg. Ada was to be offered into an arranged marriage with House Rockhurst but after witnessing her sister’s horrible marriages, this strong-willed, kickass Hasenberg flees home and now has a bounty on her head. When she is captured on the boarding docks of another planet and taken aboard a merc ship, they place her in a cell with Marcus Loch, the Devil of Fornax Zero. His bounty rivals hers. There are rumors he murdered every commanding officer who issued orders during the Fornax Rebellion. All Ada knows for certain is that the Royal Consortium wants him dead.
From the first chapter, Mihalik held me spellbound. This story is for fans of space operas with strong romantic elements, lots of snark and plenty of chemistry. The world was interesting with twists on familiar themes. It focuses on the Merc Houses living on Earth who run a monopoly on space commerce. There were spaceships, cool gadgets, whole freaking’ planets to explore and a kickass female lead who reminds me of Kate Daniels. Hells yes!
Ada from outward appearances is strong, unyielding and has the qualities one expects from royalty, but on the inside she struggles, misses her siblings and has baggage from her first romance. The girl is smart, knows her weapons and her training as a Hasenberg means she can navigate and repair ships. I loved her sharp mind, quick wit and loyalty.
Marcus Loch is our space Curran. Aside from being a one man killing machine who grunts and protects he is also cunning and noble. The more Mihalik peeled back his layers and shared his story the more I loved him.
When Richard, the man Ada’s father wants her to marry appears on the merc ship, Ada comes up with a plan to escape but she will have to trust Marcus and the tale that unfolds was intense with twists, turns and new friends. While I loved meeting people, learning more about the world, the Consortium and plants, it was Ada and Marcus who stole the show whenever they were on the page together. Snark and sexual chemistry melted my eardrums. It was so genuine it had me squealing with delight.
The story ended in a good place but set us up for the series and I for one cannot wait! If you haven’t already devoured this, I recommend listening. Emily Woo Zeller narrates, and she did such a stellar job. While I wasn’t a fan of some of her male voices, she nailed Ada and Marcus in my humble opinion. I thought she did well enhancing the tone, emotions and action scenes as they unfolded.
Kate and Curran in SPACE! Seriously, fans of Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels series will fall head over heels for Ada and Marcus! Polaris Rising by Jessie Mihalik #iloveaudiobooks #spaceopera Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I have heard great things about this book. I will have to pick up the audio. Great review.
Mary
Rachel
I was on the fence about this one, but your comment about Kate and Curran in space just won me over. I’ll be going with the audio book. Wonderful review, Kimberly! 🙂
Jen
Based on the recommendation of you and others, I’ve gotten the audiobook of Polaris Rising. I look forward to clearing out some of my review titles so I can listen. 🙂
MarthaE
This one just went to the top of my wish list. Maybe this month’s credit. Thanks for sharing.
Olivia-Savannah Roach
I will always love a good sci-fi and I have been enjoying the genre a lot recently. I had my eye on this one and I am all the more excited to read it now. Most of the reviews have been so positive and I love that this one was able to immerse you from the get go and intrigue you. DD: I want to read it so much!
Daniela Ark
I still need to find my way to Space Operas! I think most of them are too heavy on world building and the plot move to slow for my taste. And most a HUGE too lol Marcus Does seem a character easy to fall in love with 🙂
Angie Elle
KATE AND CURRAN in space? I’m sold. LOL
Lorna
Wow! Everyone seems to be reading this one. Maybe one day for me. Glad you enjoyed it so much!
Brandee @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
I put this one on my tbr after seeing Nick’s glowing review so I just *had* to see what you thought as well. 😉 I’m so, so happy you loved Ada and Marcus and I can’t wait to meet them myself! I just have to decide between ebook and audio. 😉
Jennifer | Book Den
I love kickass female leads in space. This sounds like a great read.
JennRenee
Oh yes! i had this on audiobook too. Loved this book. I was so sad when it ended. I see the next book is about her sister. I do hope the characters from this book make an appearance.
JoLee @ Wickedly Delicious Book Blog
Glad you loved it. I think the last space theme I read was erotic.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
I have yet to see a bad review for this book and am more excited than ever to read it. Thanks for the head’s up on the audio version. I may go that route. Wonderful review!
sherry fundin
Comparing it to Ilona’s work…I think I could get into this series too.
sjhigbee
I really love the sound of this one…
tonyalee
I’ve had these for weeks and you’ve sold me on the first sentence!
Heidi
I keep seeing stellar reviews for this one, and I am convinced I must read/ listen to it. I am trying to get an audiobook copy from my library, fingers crossed.
Mary Kirkland
I’ve been seeing great reviews for this and put it in my wish list the other day. It sounds really good.
S. J. Pajonas
Lots of people have been talking about this book! I’m glad to hear you loved it.
Anne - Books of My Heart
Great review! I loved this one SO much. My review is tomorrow.
Sophia Rose
Oh, yes, I have read enough to pounce when I get the chance. I love this type of setting and story, but your description of the characters has me extra eager.
Melliane
I had such a great time with this novel!
Debbie Haupt
Wow you’ve got my interest Kim but 9.99 for the Kindle wow I”ll wait for a sale but I want 🙂
kindlemom1
Love that you are finding all these great sci fi reads to love Kim!
Ailyn Koay
i really want to know, did Ada kick Marcus’ ass ? cause it would be funny
Jessica @ a GREAT read
OOh nice! I’ve heard nothing but good things about this one so I’ve bought a copy…now I just need the time to read it! Glad to hear it was an amazing read! Looking forward to read it even more now! Great review!