Book Review: The Polaris Uprising
Media Type: Ebook
Title: The Polaris Uprising
*Series: Polaris #1
Author: Jennifer Ibarra
Publisher: Tiwala Books
Pages: Paperback; 328
Release Date: October 30, 2013
Source: Xpresso Book Tours
———————————————————-
Content Screening: Mild Violence
HDB Rating: 4 Keys to My Heart
Recommended to: Readers who enjoying strong female characters, and hidden secrets.
In less than seven years, eighteen-year-old Ryla Jensen will succeed her father as the president of Neress, a nation where all citizens are cared for from the moment they’re born. Fed, sheltered, even educated—every need of theirs is met.
The only price they pay is their free will.
Groomed since childhood to take on a role she’s not even sure she wants, Ryla’s only escape from the pressures of duty is her sister, Alanna. But when her eyes are opened to the oppressive regime her father built, she begins to question everything she’s set to inherit—and finds herself at odds with her sister’s blind allegiance to their father.
Torn between loyalty to her family and the fight for freedom, Ryla must decide just how far she’s willing to go to make a stand and risk losing the person she loves most in the world: Alanna.
What a surprise! I hadn’t heard anything about The Polaris Uprising until I stumbled across a blog tour for it. I’m glad I did. This is a gorgeous hidden gem. A dystopian book that features two very strong, very unique, sisters and their fight to keep what they believe in alive. It’s been done before, but Jennifer Ibarra breathes new life into this story line. I was hooked.
I couldn’t help but rally behind Ryla. Blame it on my own impetuous nature if you must, but she just stood out to me. The exact opposite of her sister Alanna in every way, Ryla was a spitfire. I loved her charisma, her ability to think on her feet, and the fact that she wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself. Not that Alanna isn’t a wonderful character as well! She’s the kind sister, the older one who listens to reason, the one who tries to keep the peace. These two together were a pure joy to follow. I knew there was dissent coming, but the first half of the book held so much sisterly love in it.
What most impressed me about The Polaris Uprising was how easily it flowed. Every chapter brought something new to light and, even though the book switches between the view points of Alanna and Ryla, it was so simple to follow. I slowly had the opportunity to watch these girls grow up. To be right there alongside them as they discovered who they really were, and what they wanted for their futures. I can’t really say much more without spoiling anything. Tragic, I know. You’ll have to read this for yourself.
Suffice it say, I was impressed. I’m glad that Ryla and Alanna’s story was put on my radar, and I can’t wait for more! This is the first in the series, and I’m in for the long haul. That ending pretty much solidified it for me. Pick this up if you enjoy well-written dystopian fiction with strong female characters! You won’t regret it.
FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.
