When I read Pendomus, the first book in this series, I was taken with the characters as well as the plot and I looked forward to seeing the next book. Little did I think it would be four long years before that next book would come out but, in some ways, I think the delay has paid off. In particular, the author has really developed her craftsmanship and the story is stronger for that.

This time around, we’re treated to a more cohesive worldbuilding and, for me, the attachment to the characters was more intense. I also found the relationship between Runa and Traeton made more sense because it wasn’t so brand new even though there really hasn’t been any passage of time. Runa is still enjoying her experiences with the pleasures of life that are denied to the citizens but she’s isolated from her comfort zone, set on a quest of sorts that only she can complete. This might have been easier before she learned to love and be loved, back when Helix “protected” everyone from the vagaries of natural life.

In the course of Polarities, Runa truly comes into her own and becomes the strong young woman she always had the potential to be with the help of some fantastical creatures and a wondrous book. Meanwhile, Traeton and their friends have been left behind, not knowing whether Runa is alive or dead and trying to find their own way forward. Everyone’s journey will lead to answers…and even more questions.

I’m so glad the author came to me to see if I would be interested in reading the rest of this series. It’s been four years since the first book came out and now the sequels are finally ready for the world. I of course said yes because deep down I still wanted to continue this series, even though I only gave the first book 3 stars.

Before I read Polarities I reread the first book Pendomus that way I could have an easier time falling into the book, to get lost in it. To better connect to the characters and boy did I! I was practically in tears, my heart breaking as a character was telling Runa that another character didn’t make it in the first book (not naming names cause I don’t want to spoil anything). I think it hit me harder because of where Runa was too.

Polarities is full of adventures, I was sitting on the edge of my seat! There was definitely more fantastical science fiction-y elements to this book, compared to the first one, and I absolutely loved them! I was absolutely shocked when Runa found out where she was in the middle of the book, especially when we find out that she’s been traveling like that throughout the book!

I especially enjoyed that more than the trials she had to go through. The first trial actually felt like a challenge but the others, not so much. I think mainly because we didn’t know it was a trial until she passed it. I wish they weren’t as subtle as they were. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book!

Overall this series is refreshing and original! The following books just get better and I’m so excited and sad to be reading the last book soon! Even once you finish the last page, the story and characters will stay with you, wishing to get lost in their world again!

Well, I can definitely tell you all right now that this second book does not suffer one bit from "middle book syndrome". If anything, Polarities has secured my interest in Andrews'beautiful Sci Fi adventure. If you read my first review, you probably know that I was pretty excited for this sequel. After falling in love with Runa, and finding myself entrenched in mythology surrounding her home, I couldn't wait to dive back in. I'm pleased to announce that it was well worth the wait.

Polarities picks up right where the last book left off, with poor Runa struggling to understand her newest predicament. I immediately remembered why I adored her so much, as I watched her strength and wit start to come back to her. Much like the first book, it takes a few pages to settle back into the groove of things. However once I had taken a few moments to reorient myself in Runa's world, I was ready for everything that came next. Adventure, mystery, danger and, of course, that amazing character growth that I was looking forward to.

This book is also dual narrated between Runa and Traeton but, quite rightly, Runa gets the majority of the spotlight. Navigating the trials that are thrown at her, almost constantly, makes for intense reading. I enjoyed the new characters that were introduced, loved that some of the older characters were more fleshed out thist time around, and did a bit of tearing up for the ones that we'd lost. Better still, Runa's true powers start to come to the surface here. I always knew that she was a strong individual but man, there was so much more to learn. By the ending I was slack jawed, and so ready for the next book!

I'll admit, I'm really impressed with Polarities. It shines, even as a sequel, and really pushes the story forward beautifully. You can tell that Andrews' has put a lot of love into Runa's journey, and the ending will probably leave you with the same sense of longing that I had. Once again I'll say that if you are looking for a fun and easily accessible Sci Fi series, this is it! I'm ready for more.