Sunday 13 January 2013

VORTEX BY JULIE CROSS

ISBN:  9780312568900
Publisher: Macmillan Childrens
Pages: 352
Formats Available: Hardback, 

BLURB from Goodreads
Julie Cross's Vortex is the thrilling second installment of the Tempest series, in which the world hangs in the balance as a lovelorn Jackson must choose who to save Jackson Meyer has thrown himself into his role as an agent for Tempest, the shadowy division of the CIA that handles all time-travel-related threats. Despite his heartbreak at losing the love of his life, Jackson has proved himself to be an excellent agent. However, after an accidental run in with Holly—the girl he altered history to save—Jackson is once again reminded of what he's lost. And when Eyewall, an opposing division of the CIA, emerges, Jackson and his fellow agents not only find themselves under attack, but Jackson begins to discover that the world around him has changed and someone knows about his erased relationship with Holly, putting both their lives at risk all over again.

MY REVIEW
So where to start? I was generously sent this hardback book by Macmillan Childrens in exchange for my honest review. This book is also part of my Reading Challenges, it starts me off as book No 1 on the Second in a Series challenge hosted by Darlene's Book Nook.
So I'll start with my first impressions. Well I love the cover, it fits extremely well with the paperback of Tempest. The colours and design on the cover certainly draw your eye to it, so I would certainly notice it on a bookshelf. As you know I like a good byline, and on this hardback it says "There Will Be No Calm Before The Storm" and it really fits this books well. It's action and adventure the whole way through. On a down note, I do not like the quote from the Publishers Weekly being on the front cover of the US cover version.(US cover pictured below the post) By all means have the quotes from advance readers, but put them inside the book or on the back cover, or even both. Please don't put them on the front cover, it mars an otherwise beautiful cover. I like the use of the characters featured on the cover, perhaps they are Jackson and Holly? Or maybe Jackson and his agent partner Lily Kendrick, there are a few possibilities really.
Now to the book! It's still really well written and has the "wow" factor. This book starts and more or less picks up straight as book one finishes, which is good as you are instantly transported back into the deep, intriguing plot. In this book things have changed, there's also the whole question of "full-jumps" of "Thomas-jumps" as Jackson initially calls them and "half-jumps. this could be an extremely confusing concept but Julie Cross handles it in terms that aren't too simplistic to be insulting to the reader, yet simple enough for everyone to grasp enough to enjoy the book. My favourite characters are still Jackson, Emily, Holly, and Adam. Though you see more of and different sides to other "agents" in this installment of the Tempest Series. You learn lots more about Jenni Stewart, and her background as well as becoming more attached to her, her partner Mason and Jackson's agent partner Lily Kendrick. We also learn about agents almost leading a double life, with Lily Kendrick's situation, as an agent and a fiancee to Michael when she is in New York. There are a few surprises that appear in the second book, certain character that I didn't expect to be there. There are many hints as to what/who Jackson's agent father is, and who he really works for, lots of twists,turns and surprises there. We learn more of who Jackson can and cannot trust, though whether its too late to change anything remains to be seen.
There are more battles between the Tempest Agents and the EOT's, both sides lose people to these battles. There is lots of action, mysteries and missions in this book.
The book ends on one heck of a cliff hanger, and have to say I am eagerly awaiting the third book.
So did I enjoy the book? Yes. As much as the first book? Yes, I think I did enjoy it slightly more, though at the time of reading the first book I would not have thought that possible. Are there any differences in the books? Yes, the second book delves even deeper into the complexities, dangers and uses for time travel.+ Would I recommend? Yes, and I think this book should appeal to both male and female readers. Would I read a Bk#3? I'd read it now if I had it! Would I read more books written by Julie Cross? Yes, I love her style of writing and her way of story telling.

Available from Amazon.co.uk



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