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Rise of Polaris: A Science-Fiction Thriller
Can a catastrophe ensure humankind’s survival?
At an orphanage in Los Angeles, an astrophysicist meets a young savant who will forever change the fate of humanity.
In Florida, the Space Shuttle Atlantis departure marks the end of the 30-year space program.
In Pasadena, a journalist makes an incredible discovery that will revolutionize how we consume content online.
But these seemingly unconnected episodes aren’t what they seem. They will ignite an all-out war fought on two different fronts—one for the control of planetary resources, and the other for the dominance of cyberspace.
One man. One mission. Failure is not an option.
The future of humankind rests on the most audacious project in history, one capable of ensuring the survival of our civilization—or beginning the downward spiral of its extinction.
At an orphanage in Los Angeles, an astrophysicist meets a young savant who will forever change the fate of humanity.
In Florida, the Space Shuttle Atlantis departure marks the end of the 30-year space program.
In Pasadena, a journalist makes an incredible discovery that will revolutionize how we consume content online.
But these seemingly unconnected episodes aren’t what they seem. They will ignite an all-out war fought on two different fronts—one for the control of planetary resources, and the other for the dominance of cyberspace.
One man. One mission. Failure is not an option.
The future of humankind rests on the most audacious project in history, one capable of ensuring the survival of our civilization—or beginning the downward spiral of its extinction.
318 pages, Paperback
Published December 14, 2022
24 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Michele Amitrani
59 books158 followersENG
I am an independent author living in Rome, the Eternal City. I grew up writing of falling empires, space battles, mortal betrayals, monumental decisions, and everything in between.
I write dark fantasy, mythological fantasy, fairytale retellings and lots of other cool stuff.
I spend my days traveling through time and space and, more often than not, writing about impossible but necessary worlds.
When I’m not busy chasing dragons or mastering the Force, you can find me at MicheleAmitrani.com or hanging out on Facebook at /MicheleAmitraniAuthor.
ITA
Sono un autore indipendente con una grande passione per i viaggi senza meta, i cieli stellati, il body building, i fuochi d’artificio, le notti di mezza estate e quello strano suono che fanno le conchiglie vuote se le si avvicina all’orecchio.
Flirto da tempo con diversi generi letterari, ma sono ufficialmente sposato con fantasy e fantascienza (intrattengo una relazione segreta con la saggistica di stampo politico-internazionale, ma non ditelo alle signore fantasy e fantascienza!).
Condivido anche risorse su come produrre, pubblicare e pubblicizzare indipendentemente sul mio sito www.CrediNellaTuaStoria.com e sul mio canale YouTube.
Quando non sono impegnato a inseguire draghi o a padroneggiare la Forza, divoro libri su Goodreads (GoodreadsAuthor) e gironzolo su Facebook (/AmitraniMichele).
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 6, 2023
Wei is a young kid who lost both his parents in a car accident. When the children’s home he’s staying at asks all the children to write a letter to NASA, Wei doesn’t hold back. It doesn’t take long for NASA to contact the children’s home. And the people at NASA are convinced that Wei’s the Albert Einstein of his generation. But some of the things Wei wrote in his letter do raise quite a lot of concerns. For Wei wrote that NASA should stop space exploration immediately.
This is not at all what I expected it to be. This story moves at a very slow pace as Wei’s character is fleshed out through some interesting scenes out of his young life. And in the beginning it’s quite reminiscent of certain stories about highly intelligent children, like the movie Gifted for example. This is all really well done. Wei’s character is undeniably fascinating. He’s like Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory with a messiah complex. He’s very smart and he annoyingly knows it. He has a gift he wants to bestow upon humanity. And nothing can stop him from handing out said gift. I also like that his motives are kept quite vague for a long time. So you don’t know if he’ll be the savior of mankind, or rather the destroyer.
The things said about space exploration in this story are quite interesting and definitely make you question some things. Space exploration is mostly depicted as a rather black and white problem, where in reality it’s much more nuanced and grey. And there are some important aspects about space exploration this story rather ignores. Though sometimes it’s good not to let reality get in the way of a good story.
The biggest problem this book has is that, after a strong beginning, there are a lot of very repetitive scenes where Wei visits people he wants to help, so they can then return the favor and help him achieve his master plan. The worst part of those scenes is actually not that they’re repetitive, because they’re really interesting and very well written. What’s problematic is that those scenes don’t move the plot forward. So the plot doesn’t really start until you get to the end of the book.
Overall, a science fiction story that managed to grab me and surprise me in an interesting way. Though it could benefit from cutting some repetitive scenes. It’s a great and complex start to a fascinating series, but quite light in terms of plot as a standalone story.
This is not at all what I expected it to be. This story moves at a very slow pace as Wei’s character is fleshed out through some interesting scenes out of his young life. And in the beginning it’s quite reminiscent of certain stories about highly intelligent children, like the movie Gifted for example. This is all really well done. Wei’s character is undeniably fascinating. He’s like Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory with a messiah complex. He’s very smart and he annoyingly knows it. He has a gift he wants to bestow upon humanity. And nothing can stop him from handing out said gift. I also like that his motives are kept quite vague for a long time. So you don’t know if he’ll be the savior of mankind, or rather the destroyer.
The things said about space exploration in this story are quite interesting and definitely make you question some things. Space exploration is mostly depicted as a rather black and white problem, where in reality it’s much more nuanced and grey. And there are some important aspects about space exploration this story rather ignores. Though sometimes it’s good not to let reality get in the way of a good story.
The biggest problem this book has is that, after a strong beginning, there are a lot of very repetitive scenes where Wei visits people he wants to help, so they can then return the favor and help him achieve his master plan. The worst part of those scenes is actually not that they’re repetitive, because they’re really interesting and very well written. What’s problematic is that those scenes don’t move the plot forward. So the plot doesn’t really start until you get to the end of the book.
Overall, a science fiction story that managed to grab me and surprise me in an interesting way. Though it could benefit from cutting some repetitive scenes. It’s a great and complex start to a fascinating series, but quite light in terms of plot as a standalone story.
March 26, 2023
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An e-copy of the book has been provided by the author, Michele Amitrani, in exchange for an honest review.
With such a powerful beginning chapter, I was surely inclined to race through this novel; but, knowing myself, I had to have moments when I take a huge chunk of pause in between readings. What I find most interesting in how the story began was the psychological thriller vibe it gave me. Staring at the cover, you would have instantly assumed that this was a science-fiction novel; however, the introductory section of the book told me an entirely different narrative. Nevertheless, the effect it gave me was perfect!
There is something about this story that really caught my attention. It is, however, only up until a certain point in the story. Afterwards, it fell off for me. Not entirely, rather it shook me off and rattled my momentum. There were a lot of questions I needed answer to. The amount of fantastical elements within the story made me question the credibility of the “science” part of the story and made me think that there are possibilities that this isn’t entirely just sci-fi, but also fantasy.
My progress towards the book never failed to entertain. It offered a lot – from the most intriguing concepts, to the downright mysterious events. The eventual shaking of my momentum did ruin it all, though. As I question the mental capacity of our main character, the technological advancements that were being introduced, and all the casts dancing about within the story.
The casting of this story was enormous! I would much prefer if the chapters were titled to the POV as it gives a more straight-forward approach and it could have been something to look forward to. After all, with a huge character line-up, you are bound to having favourites. And that’s always a good way to tie readers in.
I find the story to be overall fascinating, the casts truly curious, and the concept truly remarkable. Reading through this book, I saw the amount of effort the author placed upon it and I truly appreciate that. Combined with his talent to weave words, I am impressed. Sadly, though, there were stuff that didn’t work for me and that’s just how it is. I am hopeful that the succeeding books in the series will provide me with more concrete information and I look forward to reading it!
See this and other reviews in my blog.
An e-copy of the book has been provided by the author, Michele Amitrani, in exchange for an honest review.
With such a powerful beginning chapter, I was surely inclined to race through this novel; but, knowing myself, I had to have moments when I take a huge chunk of pause in between readings. What I find most interesting in how the story began was the psychological thriller vibe it gave me. Staring at the cover, you would have instantly assumed that this was a science-fiction novel; however, the introductory section of the book told me an entirely different narrative. Nevertheless, the effect it gave me was perfect!
There is something about this story that really caught my attention. It is, however, only up until a certain point in the story. Afterwards, it fell off for me. Not entirely, rather it shook me off and rattled my momentum. There were a lot of questions I needed answer to. The amount of fantastical elements within the story made me question the credibility of the “science” part of the story and made me think that there are possibilities that this isn’t entirely just sci-fi, but also fantasy.
My progress towards the book never failed to entertain. It offered a lot – from the most intriguing concepts, to the downright mysterious events. The eventual shaking of my momentum did ruin it all, though. As I question the mental capacity of our main character, the technological advancements that were being introduced, and all the casts dancing about within the story.
The casting of this story was enormous! I would much prefer if the chapters were titled to the POV as it gives a more straight-forward approach and it could have been something to look forward to. After all, with a huge character line-up, you are bound to having favourites. And that’s always a good way to tie readers in.
I find the story to be overall fascinating, the casts truly curious, and the concept truly remarkable. Reading through this book, I saw the amount of effort the author placed upon it and I truly appreciate that. Combined with his talent to weave words, I am impressed. Sadly, though, there were stuff that didn’t work for me and that’s just how it is. I am hopeful that the succeeding books in the series will provide me with more concrete information and I look forward to reading it!
See this and other reviews in my blog.
February 16, 2023
I have read several books by this author and am never disappointed. While Project Valhalla was a bit different from the others, I especially enjoyed the author's writing style. He paints wonderful images with the words he uses. Amitrani also excels at what I would call "wordplay." I recommend readers take the time to look up the word "Valhalla" to see an example of this. When I did, I actually said, "Oh, Wow!" I also believe the books provides a glimpse into the absolutely creative mind of the author as he lays out a possible future. The story really pushed me to think about technology, and its continuous evolution. Once I started reading, I did not want to stop. The mystery of Wei was also intriguing to me. The book pushed me to think about technology and its impact on our lives....and the impact it will have on the lives of our future generations. I am old enough to remember our fascination with cassette tape recorders and color television. As a teacher, I had one Apple IIe in my classroom in the early 80's. We have come a long way with technology in the last 40 years. And as this book shows, we still have a long way to go in its development....along with serious considerations as to how far we want the technology to evolve. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 12, 2023
Amitrani does it again with a very captivating storyline; this particular story overlaps a little bit with Rise of Polaris, but I found that in no way distracting from the intensity of this story. There are enough hints of who the next 'bad guy' is going to be that I can't wait to read the next installment in the Omnilogos Singularity. It holds great promise of a good sci-fi.
There was some language in this book that I didn't care for (thus the four stars), but the overall story was well-told and I'm so glad that I found Amitrani as an author to read.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
There was some language in this book that I didn't care for (thus the four stars), but the overall story was well-told and I'm so glad that I found Amitrani as an author to read.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
February 5, 2023
I intend to finish reading this series.
I received a free review copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I intend to finish reading this series. The story is a pleasure to read. I read it straight through from start to finish, except when interrupted by dinner. In love a story with a twist, and I also love stories when you don't know what is going to happen next. I recommend this one.
I received a free review copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I intend to finish reading this series. The story is a pleasure to read. I read it straight through from start to finish, except when interrupted by dinner. In love a story with a twist, and I also love stories when you don't know what is going to happen next. I recommend this one.
February 9, 2023
Selene is rescued from boredom and the politics of research financing by Wei and his latest secret endeavor. She and her team work for years to create something fantastic for humanity, but this story does not complete her tale. It strives for a bigger and better future for us all, that remains to be seen, hopefully in the next book! It was just long enough to fill in the blanks from the first book and set us up for the next one!
* I was given an advanced copy for an honest [always] review. *
* I was given an advanced copy for an honest [always] review. *
June 24, 2023
Look forward to reading rest of series
I enjoyed Rise of Polaris. It was interesting. I look forward to reading rest of series.
I received free ARC and also purchased supporting author. I am voluntarily reviewing.
I enjoyed Rise of Polaris. It was interesting. I look forward to reading rest of series.
I received free ARC and also purchased supporting author. I am voluntarily reviewing.
December 16, 2022
This book was just what I needed right now - let me explain. I read a lot, and because of covid (and retirement), I normally read a couple of books at the same time. Yet, when I started reading this book, I put my other books aside and focused all my energy and time on Rise of Polaris. I found the book so intriguing and entertaining I just had to (unfortunately) get to the ending to find out just what happens to Wei (the main character) and his companions. Wei, the main character, is an orphan who just happens to be a genius. After a rough start in life, he touches and changes the lives of everyone he meets - ultimately trying to save the world. The technology described and used in the story really made me sit back and go "whoa" several times! I kept wondering just how is the author coming up with all the ideas integrating technology with human nature. Keep in mind my first computer was released about 40 years ago and was used in my classroom for games. The author is a great storyteller and his insight into space exploration, technology and human nature came together in this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 4, 2023
The Rise of Polaris by Michele Amitrani
I received an Advance Reader Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have to say that I have enjoyed reading it, I even could say that I have been engrossed with the story, From the beginning I have been curious about Wei, the main character (I would not say more about it to avoid spoilers), his personality and his goal(s).
There is a definite mystery atmosphere to it, mystery around Wei, his relation to the world and the environment. This gets us to want to know more and go along with the characters. I even would have liked the story to be longer…..
I would also advise reading, it because it raises some interesting perspectives over the future, if not already current the challenges of mankind and its survival, when everything seems to fail people might be tempted to go towards charismatic leaders (if not dictators) or turn to religions or a mix of both. The end of the novel, its philosophy, is also in this respect real a surprise.
I received an Advance Reader Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have to say that I have enjoyed reading it, I even could say that I have been engrossed with the story, From the beginning I have been curious about Wei, the main character (I would not say more about it to avoid spoilers), his personality and his goal(s).
There is a definite mystery atmosphere to it, mystery around Wei, his relation to the world and the environment. This gets us to want to know more and go along with the characters. I even would have liked the story to be longer…..
I would also advise reading, it because it raises some interesting perspectives over the future, if not already current the challenges of mankind and its survival, when everything seems to fail people might be tempted to go towards charismatic leaders (if not dictators) or turn to religions or a mix of both. The end of the novel, its philosophy, is also in this respect real a surprise.
January 30, 2023
A fascinating look into a possible near future
This was a very different read for me but one I enjoyed, found extremely intriguing and had me turning the pages to discover what was to happen next and how it was all going to turn out.
It’s all about the battle for space and the brilliant mind of the Omnilogos doing all these seemingly random things, bringing it all together.
What starts with the disappointment with the end of the Space Shuttle era to one small boy, ends with two strong factions fighting for their beliefs and dominance over the other.
I found the reading easy going, laid out in chapters that jumped the timeline forward and introduced the main players and their relationships to Wei Wang, our main character. The technology introduced and described along the way made for fascinating reading.
While it ended, it didn’t really finish and left me with many unanswered questions.
There’s more to come… hopefully!
This was a very different read for me but one I enjoyed, found extremely intriguing and had me turning the pages to discover what was to happen next and how it was all going to turn out.
It’s all about the battle for space and the brilliant mind of the Omnilogos doing all these seemingly random things, bringing it all together.
What starts with the disappointment with the end of the Space Shuttle era to one small boy, ends with two strong factions fighting for their beliefs and dominance over the other.
I found the reading easy going, laid out in chapters that jumped the timeline forward and introduced the main players and their relationships to Wei Wang, our main character. The technology introduced and described along the way made for fascinating reading.
While it ended, it didn’t really finish and left me with many unanswered questions.
There’s more to come… hopefully!
December 26, 2022
This was the first sci-fi of Amitrani’s that I’ve read. I was not disappointed. I’ve enjoyed reading his retellings of Greek myths and although this was a very different genre, it was just as entertaining.
The fact that this is set in the present and very near future held my interest. Amitrani has extrapolated into a world that is not too terribly far-fetched which in some ways is terrifying. So many well developed what if scenarios.
Some of the characters I wanted to have more “page time” where they could be deepened, but it was still a good story.
Good start to a new series.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
The fact that this is set in the present and very near future held my interest. Amitrani has extrapolated into a world that is not too terribly far-fetched which in some ways is terrifying. So many well developed what if scenarios.
Some of the characters I wanted to have more “page time” where they could be deepened, but it was still a good story.
Good start to a new series.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
January 4, 2023
If you enjoy the complex nature of the few who strive to see the future of humanity or its demise and those who try to avert it, then I think you will enjoy this story. I loved the main character (the child genius manipulating things to bring about the changes need to save mankind) and was surprised by others. The continuity flows from start to finish, at times with the urgency of (Star Trek's) Cmdr. Data trying to frantically save his daughter. I continue to enjoy the fact that, for me, reading this authors' words is like listening to a friend speak......the reading just flows easily.
* I was given an advanced copy for an honest [always] review *
* I was given an advanced copy for an honest [always] review *
August 27, 2023
Mostly Confusing
The narrative alternates between characters, going forward in time with one, then jumping back in time to follow another, with minor connections between the players but the overall impact produced a disconcerting, rambling storyline. If there is/was an overall plot it was lost. Most of the technology is undefined, and much of the science is outside current reality, so I guess that’s why this is classified as science fiction. Unfortunately character development is minimal, mostly provided through exposition, and more time is spent trying to keep Wei mysterious than in building his character. In the end, this was a waste of my time and I find no reason to continue with the series.
The narrative alternates between characters, going forward in time with one, then jumping back in time to follow another, with minor connections between the players but the overall impact produced a disconcerting, rambling storyline. If there is/was an overall plot it was lost. Most of the technology is undefined, and much of the science is outside current reality, so I guess that’s why this is classified as science fiction. Unfortunately character development is minimal, mostly provided through exposition, and more time is spent trying to keep Wei mysterious than in building his character. In the end, this was a waste of my time and I find no reason to continue with the series.
February 27, 2023
A fascinating short read about Dr. Selene Sato and her project to create the Seien, the exosuit Wei placed so much importance on.
A Novella in the Omnilogos Singularity series, the time line runs from our present day, through what was the end of Mr. Amitrani's first book in the series, Rise of Polaris and the tragedy that occurs in the conclusion of that story, and then extends with an invitation to Dr. Sato to join a much more important project.
Assuming this is a perfect bridge between books one and two in the series, it’s a nice little tidbit, and a detailed look into one of Wei’s interlinked projects, to hold you over until book two, Legacy of Ariul releases!
A Novella in the Omnilogos Singularity series, the time line runs from our present day, through what was the end of Mr. Amitrani's first book in the series, Rise of Polaris and the tragedy that occurs in the conclusion of that story, and then extends with an invitation to Dr. Sato to join a much more important project.
Assuming this is a perfect bridge between books one and two in the series, it’s a nice little tidbit, and a detailed look into one of Wei’s interlinked projects, to hold you over until book two, Legacy of Ariul releases!
January 14, 2024
Right off the bat, I decided Wei is kind of an asshole. Not great ground on which to be standing in the first three pages of a book! But no, I get it, he's a very neurodivergent even-more-Hari-Seldon Hari Seldon type - it just wasn't what I'd call a perfect introduction (or maybe it was!). I warmed to our mysterious quasi-protagonist as we went along, because I suppose it was expected of me and because, well, he got better.
The narrative mostly moved forward a year at a time for a bit, which was a very interesting structure to follow. To simplify dramatically, Wei encounters an elderly aerospace engineer and decides upon the future of the space program, then begins to make his vision a reality. Along the way he uses his literally encyclopaedic knowledge of everything for fun and profit; meets a girl; butts heads with anti-space-program ignorami; builds a space elevator; and maps out the future development of human society and industry to a ... well, we've already made the Foundation comparison so let's move on.
He is the Omnilogos, which is a fancy way of saying "know-all".
Our side-characters include the endearingly thick Tiago (I was shouting at my Kindle when Wei slipped up and admitted to not knowing a thing and Tiago didn't call him out on it, I know Wei was almost certainly lying but he still should have snarked at him), the confrontingly gross Avalon, the irrepressible and star-crossed Evangeline, the (I'm just going to say it) irredeemably villainous Woodside, and every-frustrated-person-who-knows-shit-faced-by-populist-fucksnorts-everywhere-ever Gladia, among many others. All of them distinctive, fascinating, and very well-written. I smiled knowingly at the little nod to pop culture scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson that was slipped in there too.
The wider theme of human progress and ingenuity against the status quo and stagnation, the growing power of populist whataboutism and the way anti-science and eduphobic rhetoric dresses up as "caring for the underprivileged here on Earth" and then walks around like we don't all know exactly what it really thinks of the underprivileged ... yeah, it's all there. Of course, every good story features a spacious overhead compartment for the reader's own baggage, but I will give the author at bare minimum credit for providing that compartment here. It was an excellent deconstruction of the human condition, hope versus fear, and it lets the reader make up their own mind where they stand on such things. Where I stood, incidentally, was an angry little patch of ground with a nice boggy area out the back where I would very much have liked to bury Woodside and all his moronic followers. But that's just me. And Neil MacDonald Tyron.
Yes, all in all this was a good story well told. I'm not sure the ending was exactly my cup of tea, as I am usually a more optimistic futurist type and the ending here was rather more bleak than I usually enjoy ... but on my more realistic days I sadly have to acknowledge that humans are shit, and there's not much to be done about that. There are glimmers of hope, and there are three more books at least in this series so obviously it is going somewhere. After reading the first book, I have faith in the author that we are in good hands. I would very much like to read more - the number of reviews, as so often in indie cases, trail off sharply after the first book and that is a grave injustice I hope to help correct just as soon as I have time!
Sex-o-meter
I spontaneously orgasmed when I saw the words Omnilogos Singularity, but there was no sex in the story, really. Wei had literally everything else on his mind, and if anyone was getting freaky in this book it was Avalon, and frankly I'd rather not think about that. No shame, body and lifestyle positivity and all that, but my personal preference is to avoid thinking about it. And now I'm thinking about it. And I'm not okay with that. A Generic Unsexy Sci-Fi Series Name out of a possible Omnilogos Singularity for Rise of Polaris on the sex-o-meter.
Gore-o-meter
We're treated to some deaths and dissolving bodies, overall the whole thing isn't very gory. By far the worst violence we see is the mutilation of human ambition, hope and ingenuity at the hands of the Landists. No, I am not letting this go. Why should I? It's the Landists who suck. Seriously though, one flesh-gobbet out of a possible five on the ol' gore-o-meter for this one. Nothing to worry about.
WTF-o-meter
The story has a solid Clarkian space elevator and well-crafted Asimovite psychohistory (I know I said I was done with the comparisons but this story bears up well under the comparison so I'm going to just reiterate it here, in very positive terms). It also has a very interesting take on the future development of the Internet, social media, and cultural conflict. There's no real WTF, unless it is the meta-WTF of how savants do anything, and the everyday WTF of the questions that go unanswered in this story, but will hopefully be answered as we go along. A Rory McKenna out of a possible Gilbertus Albans on the WTF-o-meter (or possibly the other way around, the meter is easily confused but that is a feature, not a bug).
My Final Verdict
This was a really good story, enjoyable to read and if I have been harsh about some of its less likeable characters, it is a testament to the writing rather than a criticism. Four stars!
The narrative mostly moved forward a year at a time for a bit, which was a very interesting structure to follow. To simplify dramatically, Wei encounters an elderly aerospace engineer and decides upon the future of the space program, then begins to make his vision a reality. Along the way he uses his literally encyclopaedic knowledge of everything for fun and profit; meets a girl; butts heads with anti-space-program ignorami; builds a space elevator; and maps out the future development of human society and industry to a ... well, we've already made the Foundation comparison so let's move on.
He is the Omnilogos, which is a fancy way of saying "know-all".
Our side-characters include the endearingly thick Tiago (I was shouting at my Kindle when Wei slipped up and admitted to not knowing a thing and Tiago didn't call him out on it, I know Wei was almost certainly lying but he still should have snarked at him), the confrontingly gross Avalon, the irrepressible and star-crossed Evangeline, the (I'm just going to say it) irredeemably villainous Woodside, and every-frustrated-person-who-knows-shit-faced-by-populist-fucksnorts-everywhere-ever Gladia, among many others. All of them distinctive, fascinating, and very well-written. I smiled knowingly at the little nod to pop culture scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson that was slipped in there too.
The wider theme of human progress and ingenuity against the status quo and stagnation, the growing power of populist whataboutism and the way anti-science and eduphobic rhetoric dresses up as "caring for the underprivileged here on Earth" and then walks around like we don't all know exactly what it really thinks of the underprivileged ... yeah, it's all there. Of course, every good story features a spacious overhead compartment for the reader's own baggage, but I will give the author at bare minimum credit for providing that compartment here. It was an excellent deconstruction of the human condition, hope versus fear, and it lets the reader make up their own mind where they stand on such things. Where I stood, incidentally, was an angry little patch of ground with a nice boggy area out the back where I would very much have liked to bury Woodside and all his moronic followers. But that's just me. And Neil MacDonald Tyron.
Yes, all in all this was a good story well told. I'm not sure the ending was exactly my cup of tea, as I am usually a more optimistic futurist type and the ending here was rather more bleak than I usually enjoy ... but on my more realistic days I sadly have to acknowledge that humans are shit, and there's not much to be done about that. There are glimmers of hope, and there are three more books at least in this series so obviously it is going somewhere. After reading the first book, I have faith in the author that we are in good hands. I would very much like to read more - the number of reviews, as so often in indie cases, trail off sharply after the first book and that is a grave injustice I hope to help correct just as soon as I have time!
Sex-o-meter
I spontaneously orgasmed when I saw the words Omnilogos Singularity, but there was no sex in the story, really. Wei had literally everything else on his mind, and if anyone was getting freaky in this book it was Avalon, and frankly I'd rather not think about that. No shame, body and lifestyle positivity and all that, but my personal preference is to avoid thinking about it. And now I'm thinking about it. And I'm not okay with that. A Generic Unsexy Sci-Fi Series Name out of a possible Omnilogos Singularity for Rise of Polaris on the sex-o-meter.
Gore-o-meter
We're treated to some deaths and dissolving bodies, overall the whole thing isn't very gory. By far the worst violence we see is the mutilation of human ambition, hope and ingenuity at the hands of the Landists. No, I am not letting this go. Why should I? It's the Landists who suck. Seriously though, one flesh-gobbet out of a possible five on the ol' gore-o-meter for this one. Nothing to worry about.
WTF-o-meter
The story has a solid Clarkian space elevator and well-crafted Asimovite psychohistory (I know I said I was done with the comparisons but this story bears up well under the comparison so I'm going to just reiterate it here, in very positive terms). It also has a very interesting take on the future development of the Internet, social media, and cultural conflict. There's no real WTF, unless it is the meta-WTF of how savants do anything, and the everyday WTF of the questions that go unanswered in this story, but will hopefully be answered as we go along. A Rory McKenna out of a possible Gilbertus Albans on the WTF-o-meter (or possibly the other way around, the meter is easily confused but that is a feature, not a bug).
My Final Verdict
This was a really good story, enjoyable to read and if I have been harsh about some of its less likeable characters, it is a testament to the writing rather than a criticism. Four stars!
January 9, 2026
Ambitious, Intelligent, and Thrilling
This high-stakes sci-fi thriller weaves science, technology, and global intrigue into a gripping narrative about humanity’s survival. The interlocking storylines build momentum toward an explosive conflict spanning both the physical world and cyberspace. Thought-provoking and fast-paced, it’s an exhilarating read that explores how catastrophe, innovation, and courage may determine the fate of civilization.
This high-stakes sci-fi thriller weaves science, technology, and global intrigue into a gripping narrative about humanity’s survival. The interlocking storylines build momentum toward an explosive conflict spanning both the physical world and cyberspace. Thought-provoking and fast-paced, it’s an exhilarating read that explores how catastrophe, innovation, and courage may determine the fate of civilization.
January 5, 2023
This book had an interesting plot but the ending left
a lot to be desired! Throughout the book one boy’s dream became a reality only to see him and his team
perish with no reason really given other than an individual he trusted betrayed him. There is a second book so perhaps the answers one has when you finish this book will be answered then. I honestly don’t know what to make of it as a result. I was caught up in the story and how things were progressing but the ending just left me cold! It made no sense whatsoever to what I was reading. Why would someone who was a friend of the individual betray him and kill his supposed friend and his entire team which achieved the man’s lifetime goal? Not only that but what was the reason behind this book if at the end of it the dream dies after the launch since all who were associated with the project die as well leaving no one to run the project then?
The only thing I can suggest is to preorder the second book and see if it answers the questions raised in this book’s surprise ending. If it doesn’t then I guess we’ll never know why a person the man trusted as a boy would not only betray him but murder him and his team as well!
a lot to be desired! Throughout the book one boy’s dream became a reality only to see him and his team
perish with no reason really given other than an individual he trusted betrayed him. There is a second book so perhaps the answers one has when you finish this book will be answered then. I honestly don’t know what to make of it as a result. I was caught up in the story and how things were progressing but the ending just left me cold! It made no sense whatsoever to what I was reading. Why would someone who was a friend of the individual betray him and kill his supposed friend and his entire team which achieved the man’s lifetime goal? Not only that but what was the reason behind this book if at the end of it the dream dies after the launch since all who were associated with the project die as well leaving no one to run the project then?
The only thing I can suggest is to preorder the second book and see if it answers the questions raised in this book’s surprise ending. If it doesn’t then I guess we’ll never know why a person the man trusted as a boy would not only betray him but murder him and his team as well!
April 24, 2023
The Rise of Polaris by Michele Amitrani
I was lucky enough to receive an Advance Reader Copy.
Rise of Polaris is an intricate and complex story. It's like a game of chess, with Amitrani several moves ahead of the reader, each move planned in advance. With compelling action and an interesting and not always likable main character in Wei, we become invested in the future and what happens to his project. I couldn't put it down.
I was lucky enough to receive an Advance Reader Copy.
Rise of Polaris is an intricate and complex story. It's like a game of chess, with Amitrani several moves ahead of the reader, each move planned in advance. With compelling action and an interesting and not always likable main character in Wei, we become invested in the future and what happens to his project. I couldn't put it down.
February 2, 2023
I'm allowed to review the book here on goodreads. This story is a pleasure to read. I love a story with a twist, and I also love stories when you don't know what is going to happen next. I recommend this one.
I hope I get the chance to continue reading this story, and soon.
I received an advance review copy of this book at no cost, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I hope I get the chance to continue reading this story, and soon.
I received an advance review copy of this book at no cost, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
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