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Polaris
Bixie, Montana is in the middle of nowhere, not connected to any place, and not used as a pass through to get anywhere. But one snowy evening, a lone visitor walking down an old country road changes 13-year-old Aaron Martin's life forever. Aaron thinks he's being a Good Samaritan by inviting the nearly-frozen visitor into his home, but he's unwittingly initiated The Game. A group of Elders, known as the Council of the Legend, come together from time to time to enjoy a rousing event they playfully call "The Game." Now, Aaron's town is the playing board and he and his fellow townspeople are the players. The rules are simple. Win. Because if Aaron loses, he won't just lose his family . . . he'll lose his very identity.
196 pages, Paperback
First published August 16, 2016
410 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 25, 2017
3 1/2 Stars
Have you ever been told not to talk to strangers? What about not letting a stranger into your house? Well, Aaron probably wishes he had followed that advice.
After welcoming a stranger into his home, Aaron unknowingly sets off a series of strange events as he becomes a player in a bizarre, complicated scavenger hunt with dire consequences if he loses.
As Aaron plays the game he’s not sure who to trust or what’s going on as he encounters an interesting cast of characters. To be honest there were moments that I was as confused as he was. But I was so curious about what was coming next and if Aaron would complete his quest and outwit his opponent.
With its strange and eerie plot and setting, the book actually reminded me of an episode of The Twilight Zone (one of my favorite television shows). Just like with the show, I was intrigued by the world and characters the author created in Polaris. I thought it was an enjoyable read with some unexpected elements.
Pretty sure that the next time a stranger comes a knocking, Aaron will think twice before opening the door. I know, I would.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Have you ever been told not to talk to strangers? What about not letting a stranger into your house? Well, Aaron probably wishes he had followed that advice.
After welcoming a stranger into his home, Aaron unknowingly sets off a series of strange events as he becomes a player in a bizarre, complicated scavenger hunt with dire consequences if he loses.
As Aaron plays the game he’s not sure who to trust or what’s going on as he encounters an interesting cast of characters. To be honest there were moments that I was as confused as he was. But I was so curious about what was coming next and if Aaron would complete his quest and outwit his opponent.
With its strange and eerie plot and setting, the book actually reminded me of an episode of The Twilight Zone (one of my favorite television shows). Just like with the show, I was intrigued by the world and characters the author created in Polaris. I thought it was an enjoyable read with some unexpected elements.
Pretty sure that the next time a stranger comes a knocking, Aaron will think twice before opening the door. I know, I would.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
March 12, 2017
Aaron Martin is a 13 year-old boy from Bixie, Montana. On a cold and snowy day Aaron allows a young wayward boy to come warm up in his house. However, the boy, Nakal is not who he says at all and by allowing him inside, Aaron is now a player in a dangerous game being controlled by different beings in space. Nakal and Aaron are pawns in a scavenger hunt being led by The Council of Legend- an otherworldly group of beings that have promised Nakal the ultimate prize if he wins. Nakal is willing to do anything in order to gain an Earth family, but when Aaron learns that he is playing for his life, he is willing to fight even harder.
Polaris has a really interesting concept, humans being forced into a game beyond their control by beings in the stars. It had a little bit of a Jumanji feel to it. I liked the combination of the high-stakes game and science-fiction elements. At first, the game itself seemed very confusing and I was probably just as lost as Aaron. However, as Aaron begins to learn the rules and play some of the confusion is ironed out. I did like the inclusion of the constellations and star names in the clues and the artifacts for the scavenger hunt and I was trying to guess what each clue might lead to. Nakal is a bit of an enigma at first, he is originally set up to be the villain, but after learning his back story, I felt for him as well. It is too bad there wasn't a way for both boys to have their families. Overall, a unique and exciting science-fiction story aimed at middle-grade readers who enjoy adventure and aliens.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Polaris has a really interesting concept, humans being forced into a game beyond their control by beings in the stars. It had a little bit of a Jumanji feel to it. I liked the combination of the high-stakes game and science-fiction elements. At first, the game itself seemed very confusing and I was probably just as lost as Aaron. However, as Aaron begins to learn the rules and play some of the confusion is ironed out. I did like the inclusion of the constellations and star names in the clues and the artifacts for the scavenger hunt and I was trying to guess what each clue might lead to. Nakal is a bit of an enigma at first, he is originally set up to be the villain, but after learning his back story, I felt for him as well. It is too bad there wasn't a way for both boys to have their families. Overall, a unique and exciting science-fiction story aimed at middle-grade readers who enjoy adventure and aliens.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
April 24, 2016
04/16:
I was blessed to read an advanced copy of this. "Polaris" is unlike anything I have ever read before. It's a combination sci-fi, game/strategy, history lesson, social commentary, rolled into one. What holds it together is Aaron's determination to save his family and Beth Bowland's limitless imagination.
Stuck in a crazy (and I mean insane) game against his will and with high stakes, Aaron must employ his wits and his heart, to defeat an opponent who not only has a far greater understanding of the game, but who also cheats!
In the end, good, truth, and beauty win. In the end, we understand the origin of the evil perpetrated in this story, but we can't condone it. Evil must stop somewhere.
Perhaps because I am also revisiting "Roots" on audio right now, I found myself most moved by the "take" in this book of the origin of diamonds. This is a book of many layers. You can simply plow through it to see how things fare for Aaron. It's a fun quick-paced read that way. However, Bowland also hides gems of things to think about, ponder, and appreciate. Having this lovely planet on which to live, and a government that tries its best to guarantee our personal freedoms, and finally a family of our own... that's the stuff of life. Aaron discovers this. He, in turn, reminds us.
I was blessed to read an advanced copy of this. "Polaris" is unlike anything I have ever read before. It's a combination sci-fi, game/strategy, history lesson, social commentary, rolled into one. What holds it together is Aaron's determination to save his family and Beth Bowland's limitless imagination.
Stuck in a crazy (and I mean insane) game against his will and with high stakes, Aaron must employ his wits and his heart, to defeat an opponent who not only has a far greater understanding of the game, but who also cheats!
In the end, good, truth, and beauty win. In the end, we understand the origin of the evil perpetrated in this story, but we can't condone it. Evil must stop somewhere.
Perhaps because I am also revisiting "Roots" on audio right now, I found myself most moved by the "take" in this book of the origin of diamonds. This is a book of many layers. You can simply plow through it to see how things fare for Aaron. It's a fun quick-paced read that way. However, Bowland also hides gems of things to think about, ponder, and appreciate. Having this lovely planet on which to live, and a government that tries its best to guarantee our personal freedoms, and finally a family of our own... that's the stuff of life. Aaron discovers this. He, in turn, reminds us.
August 22, 2016
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book in exchange for honest review.
This book was very interesting to get into. The way the author introduces the first character is different than most books that I have read. She introduced him as the Visitor. What comes to your mind when you see that? Exactly. You wonder if this visitor will be a friend or foe. That's clever. It drew my attention in and held it. I love the snow! I know, possibly irrelevant to my review, but I have never actually played in the snow and every time snow is involved, I'm done for.
I have really been enjoying books with aliens lately. Following Aaron as he tries to win a game in order to keep his life is a thrill. From the moment Nakal enters his house, everything turns topsy-turvy. I love the way the author mixes astronomy into the plot.
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars.
The journey Aaron takes to playing the games had me on the edge of my seat. I kind of joined the tour at las minute, but I am so glad that I had a chance to participate. I really like Ms. Bowland's writing style. Its very different from what I am used to and I cannot wait to see what other works the author has.
Aug. 24
This book was very interesting to get into. The way the author introduces the first character is different than most books that I have read. She introduced him as the Visitor. What comes to your mind when you see that? Exactly. You wonder if this visitor will be a friend or foe. That's clever. It drew my attention in and held it. I love the snow! I know, possibly irrelevant to my review, but I have never actually played in the snow and every time snow is involved, I'm done for.
I have really been enjoying books with aliens lately. Following Aaron as he tries to win a game in order to keep his life is a thrill. From the moment Nakal enters his house, everything turns topsy-turvy. I love the way the author mixes astronomy into the plot.
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars.
The journey Aaron takes to playing the games had me on the edge of my seat. I kind of joined the tour at las minute, but I am so glad that I had a chance to participate. I really like Ms. Bowland's writing style. Its very different from what I am used to and I cannot wait to see what other works the author has.
Aug. 24
August 24, 2016
3.5 stars
To start with,the story-line is unlike anything I’ve ever read.Like,it’s really unique and non cliché and it’s the best thing about the book.But to be honest,it was kind of difficult to get into the first half of the book.The second half was more interesting and easier to get into than the first though.And also there were a few parts which were a bit confusing but I think a few of them do make sense later in the book though a few were left uncleared.I guess it would have been a great read if it was longer and a bit more detailed at places cause a lot of time,it felt rushed!
But the small twists and pops of unexpected elements made the book quite fun to read.Apart from that,I actually like the world that the author created in Polaris.
.I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a light and quick read or something you want to complete in one sitting,especially one in the fantasy genre!
For full review ,click on the link https://liveinthepagesofbooks.wordpre...
To start with,the story-line is unlike anything I’ve ever read.Like,it’s really unique and non cliché and it’s the best thing about the book.But to be honest,it was kind of difficult to get into the first half of the book.The second half was more interesting and easier to get into than the first though.And also there were a few parts which were a bit confusing but I think a few of them do make sense later in the book though a few were left uncleared.I guess it would have been a great read if it was longer and a bit more detailed at places cause a lot of time,it felt rushed!
But the small twists and pops of unexpected elements made the book quite fun to read.Apart from that,I actually like the world that the author created in Polaris.
.I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a light and quick read or something you want to complete in one sitting,especially one in the fantasy genre!
For full review ,click on the link https://liveinthepagesofbooks.wordpre...
August 24, 2016
Polaris is the adventurous tale of Aaron, an young boy from an ordinary small town, who tries to do a kindness for a stranger. Little does he know that the stranger is actually an alien and that his life is about to be turned upside down in the most terrifying of ways. (Small spoiler alert here.) There is a game, you see, that the aliens like to play. And they use small towns as their game boards. Aaron has been selected as a key 'player' in this game. There are intrigue, suspense, twists, turns and surprises throughout the book. The stakes are high and the threat to all that Aaron loves is very real. Beth Bowland writes a fun, intense, heart-pounding, high paced story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I highly recommend this book for any who want an exciting roller-coaster ride of a good time!
May 6, 2016
The beginning was a bit rough but I'm glad I stuck with it. The story line was interesting and had some nice little twists. There were some spots where the dialogue seemed a bit stilted but overall worth the read.
May 5, 2020
Was a really good book, especially if you have tween. Can tell this book is geared toward that age group. Was very enjoyable to read. I got it at the Austin Book Fair and got to meet the author. She is definitely talented
June 11, 2017
A good YR selection with well developed characters. Recommended for boys with a sci-fi bent. Would read any sequel.
August 28, 2016
The main word I would use to describe this plot is intriguing. Like many stories of this nature, the reader’s left in the dark as to what exactly is going on for a good deal of the story, but the creepiness of what I could see and the concepts I could sense being introduced drew me in and held my interest. The farther I got into the story, the more I enjoyed the worlds, the pieces of the game slowly brought about, and the fantastical communities that seemed to have so much more to them than I could see. To be honest, I would’ve liked to understand more about the game and the various participants so I could love them more; but even with my questions, I did enjoy the read. I think the plot will be especially loved by Middle Grade readers; there are a lot of fun plot twists and surprises that I think would be right up their alley.
If you'd like to read more of my thoughts on this book, you can find the full review on Verbosity Reviews.
If you'd like to read more of my thoughts on this book, you can find the full review on Verbosity Reviews.
September 8, 2016
Youth sci-fi adventure book with unique story line. Aaron, a 13 year old boy in Bixie, Montana, has to win a "game" in order to save his family, best friend, and himself from aliens. Really enjoyed the integration of astronomy in the clues. Thumbs up!
September 18, 2016
Great twists and turns
This is a great escape into imagination as the reader Is pulled into twists and turns executed with style and finesse by Bowland. You'll relish the ride.
This is a great escape into imagination as the reader Is pulled into twists and turns executed with style and finesse by Bowland. You'll relish the ride.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews