Review: Polaris by Mindee Arnett

Polaris

Author: Mindee Arnett
Series: Avalon #2
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Format: ebook
Release Date: January 20, 2015
Source: egalley received from publisher via Edelweiss
Rating: 4 Stars
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***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way changed my opinion of the book. The review below is my open and honest opinion.***

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Jeth Seagrave and his crew are on the run. The ITA, still holding Jeth’s mother in a remote research lab, is now intent on acquiring the metatech secrets Jeth’s sister Cora carries inside her DNA, and Jeth is desperate to find the resources he needs to rescue his mother and start a new life outside the Confederation. But the ITA is just as desperate, and Jeth soon finds himself pursued by a mysterious figure hell-bent on capturing him and his crew—dead or alive.

With nowhere to run and only one play left, Jeth enters into a bargain with the last person he ever thought he’d see again: Daxton Price, the galaxy’s newest and most fearsome crime lord. Dax promises to help Jeth, but his help will only come at a price—a price that could mean sacrificing everything Jeth has fought for until now.

My Review:

First of all, I didn’t realize this was a duology. I definitely thought there was a third book. But I’m glad that it’s only two. Now I feel like I accomplished something by finishing a series. Woot!

I didn’t remember much from Avalon and I couldn’t find a recap anywhere, so I was a little worried starting this, but Mindee Arnett puts in plenty of clues to help her readers remember and it slowly came back to me. Jeth’s crew can’t catch a break in this book. It goes from bad to worse to okay to worst thing that could ever possibly happen.

My favorite part of this book was the crew dynamic. Jeth’s crew is truly a family. I loved watching the way their relationships grew. They fought just like a real family. But they also cared for and loved one another and that love reigned above all else.

Jeth went through so much in this book. His experiences really raised questions about power, greed, sacrifice, and strength. He learned how to find himself and hold on even in the darkest places. The strength and courage Jeth showed in this book was inspiring and I really enjoyed his character.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the romance in the first book, but it grew on me in this one. I still didn’t quite believe in it, but I at least trusted Sierra. All of the characters in this book are so unique and have such a distinct voice. I really enjoyed getting to know all of them, especially Aileen and Cora.

But aside from the awesome characters, the plotline was amazing. Fast-paced, jaw-dropping, edge-of-your-seat action. Every time you thought you could breathe for a second, the author threw something else at these poor characters. Mindee Arnett really put them through the ringer. There were so many twists and moments when I just sat there internally screaming “no” at my book. Things that I didn’t expect to happen happened. And they were sad things. And happy things. Lots of feels, guys.

The one thing I felt was slightly lacking was the world-building regarding the Pyreans (alien life-force they are trying to save). We got some basic information about them, but not much about what they were or why they had the abilities they did. I suppose that was because the characters didn’t know much about them either, but still, I would have liked a bit more information.

Everything was pretty much tied up in the end, although I do wonder about the fate of one character and I am interested to see what will happen to Jeth’s crew. We know where they’re headed, but I wish I could read a little bit about it. I think maybe an epilogue could have helped. Perhaps the author will include one in the final copy. If you read it, let me know. But overall I really enjoyed this space thieves stories. Quick read, only two books. If you like space, action and adventure, you should definitely check this one out!  

Have you read this one yet? Did you know it was a duology? What did you think of the ending?