Julie Cross's Vortex is the thrilling second installment of the Tempest series, inwhich 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.
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- Vortex (Tempest #2)
Vortex (Tempest #2)
Author(s)
Publisher
Genre(s)
Age Range
14+
Release Date
January 15, 2013
ISBN
0312568908
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Editor reviews
A bit confusing and hard to keep up with, but good.
Overall rating
4.3
Plot
4.0
Characters
5.0
Writing Style
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
What I Loved: Jackson is a stellar male protagonist and I loved being in his head. He steps up his game since he’s joined the CIA and their team of highly-skilled young adults and you really see his character development from Tempest to Vortex. Things became a lot intense and interesting towards the end and I can’t imagine how Cross will end it all. I enjoyed the slew of new characters and seeing them all in training. They each bring something different to the table and it entertaining seeing them all work together.
Left Me Wanting More: As much as I think Cross did a fantastic job with her interpretation of time travel, it often left me confused and in a daze. Trust me, I’m not dumb or anything, but there were just so many twists and turns throughout the book, it left my head spinning a few times. As much as Cross tried to explain the significance between the worlds, it was hard to keep up with that and also with the different time frames. I kept having to flip back and forth and re-read things just to get a sense of what was going on. Maybe it’s because my imagination sucks. Granted there wasn’t as much actual time-traveling going on, it was more the characters trying to figure out what’s going on and Jackson’s memories. There also isn’t much in the way of romance in this book. Jackson still suffers from the heartbreak of letting Holly go and although you catch glimpses of her here and there, things are most definitely not the same.
Final Verdict: If you’re a time travel fan, you’ll enjoy this series and this second book is even more engaging and action-packed than the first. So many twists, turns, and secrets, you never know who to trust!
Left Me Wanting More: As much as I think Cross did a fantastic job with her interpretation of time travel, it often left me confused and in a daze. Trust me, I’m not dumb or anything, but there were just so many twists and turns throughout the book, it left my head spinning a few times. As much as Cross tried to explain the significance between the worlds, it was hard to keep up with that and also with the different time frames. I kept having to flip back and forth and re-read things just to get a sense of what was going on. Maybe it’s because my imagination sucks. Granted there wasn’t as much actual time-traveling going on, it was more the characters trying to figure out what’s going on and Jackson’s memories. There also isn’t much in the way of romance in this book. Jackson still suffers from the heartbreak of letting Holly go and although you catch glimpses of her here and there, things are most definitely not the same.
Final Verdict: If you’re a time travel fan, you’ll enjoy this series and this second book is even more engaging and action-packed than the first. So many twists, turns, and secrets, you never know who to trust!
Left me just as breathless as the first book!
(Updated: January 08, 2013)
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
5.0
Writing Style
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
First let me pick my broken pieces up off the floor, because somehow Julie Cross knows how to leave me crying in a ball on the floor, yet still wanting more.
I happened to pick up Tempest (the first novel in this series) one day while at the library. I was stunned by how incredibly well written it was. I was captivated from the very first page. And when I made it to the last page, I was left brokenhearted on the floor weeping (as mentioned above). I did not think Julie Cross could do that to me again with the second book. *ahem* Boy, was I ever wrong.
When I was lucky enough to get a copy of Vortex to read and review, I was ecstatic. The book pretty much starts off where Tempest left off (don't worry, I won't give any big spoilers). Jackson is training for Tempest and doing his best to get past what happened in the first book. I really enjoy reading from Jackson's POV. I love his character so much and Julie Cross does a phenomenal job of bringing Jackson to life. Take away his abilities and he could easily be someone I actually know. However, I would not consider ordinary, I'm just saying he is a very likable, real character. I enjoyed learning more about Jackson's dad, Agent Meyer and loved the background stuff. I thought Jackson's team that he worked with were all very likable characters, yes even Stewart, and again, Julie Cross does an incredible job of bringing these characters to life.
I can't say a whole lot about the book's plot and characters because I don't want to give too much away. I was not ready to love this book as much as I loved Tempest, but I did. Second book woes? Not here my friends. The only thing I can complain about is the time traveling and all the scientific parts that go along with it, were a bit confusing at times. However, that just means I'll get to pick up and understand better the second time around, right?!
If you loved Tempest, you'll love this book. If you haven't read Tempest yet, do it NOW. Trust me. And let me know when you're done and we will cry on the floor together.
I happened to pick up Tempest (the first novel in this series) one day while at the library. I was stunned by how incredibly well written it was. I was captivated from the very first page. And when I made it to the last page, I was left brokenhearted on the floor weeping (as mentioned above). I did not think Julie Cross could do that to me again with the second book. *ahem* Boy, was I ever wrong.
When I was lucky enough to get a copy of Vortex to read and review, I was ecstatic. The book pretty much starts off where Tempest left off (don't worry, I won't give any big spoilers). Jackson is training for Tempest and doing his best to get past what happened in the first book. I really enjoy reading from Jackson's POV. I love his character so much and Julie Cross does a phenomenal job of bringing Jackson to life. Take away his abilities and he could easily be someone I actually know. However, I would not consider ordinary, I'm just saying he is a very likable, real character. I enjoyed learning more about Jackson's dad, Agent Meyer and loved the background stuff. I thought Jackson's team that he worked with were all very likable characters, yes even Stewart, and again, Julie Cross does an incredible job of bringing these characters to life.
I can't say a whole lot about the book's plot and characters because I don't want to give too much away. I was not ready to love this book as much as I loved Tempest, but I did. Second book woes? Not here my friends. The only thing I can complain about is the time traveling and all the scientific parts that go along with it, were a bit confusing at times. However, that just means I'll get to pick up and understand better the second time around, right?!
If you loved Tempest, you'll love this book. If you haven't read Tempest yet, do it NOW. Trust me. And let me know when you're done and we will cry on the floor together.
Just As Awesome As the First
(Updated: December 24, 2012)
Overall rating
4.7
Plot
5.0
Characters
4.0
Writing Style
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Vortex by Julie Cross, how do I begin to explain this one? It was good yes. It was better than good. It was just awesome. The stakes are even higher in Vortex and it is a completely engrossing story that will captivate you until the very last page.
This book pretty much made me had all the feelings. I finished and sat there trying to wrap my head around my thoughts and everything that had happened. Vortex was that powerful. I laughed, I cried, I was shocked, and so much more. Vortex is definitely an emotional roller coaster ride.
The plot was so intense. My heart is still breaking over parts of it - I still refuse to believe some things actually happened. I loved the fact that Jackson becomes a secret agent and how that is a large majority of the plot. I am absolutely fascinated by spies and secret agents so I loved that.
I loved learning more about Jackson's abilities in Vortex. It was neat to see more about it and the whole Tempest project. My one complaint would be that at times the whole sciencey explanation behind Jackson's abilities got a wee bit confusing to me.
I continue to love the characters in this series. Kendrick is my new favorite character - I just adored her. Vortex brings a lot of new characters, as well as everyone's favorite characters from Tempest.
Unpredictable and fast paced, Vortex is a book that will keep you reading late into the night. It is a book that when I had to put it down I was already plotting time where I could read some more. I cannot wait to see how Jackson's story ends and see more from Julie Cross, a rising star in YA.
This book pretty much made me had all the feelings. I finished and sat there trying to wrap my head around my thoughts and everything that had happened. Vortex was that powerful. I laughed, I cried, I was shocked, and so much more. Vortex is definitely an emotional roller coaster ride.
The plot was so intense. My heart is still breaking over parts of it - I still refuse to believe some things actually happened. I loved the fact that Jackson becomes a secret agent and how that is a large majority of the plot. I am absolutely fascinated by spies and secret agents so I loved that.
I loved learning more about Jackson's abilities in Vortex. It was neat to see more about it and the whole Tempest project. My one complaint would be that at times the whole sciencey explanation behind Jackson's abilities got a wee bit confusing to me.
I continue to love the characters in this series. Kendrick is my new favorite character - I just adored her. Vortex brings a lot of new characters, as well as everyone's favorite characters from Tempest.
Unpredictable and fast paced, Vortex is a book that will keep you reading late into the night. It is a book that when I had to put it down I was already plotting time where I could read some more. I cannot wait to see how Jackson's story ends and see more from Julie Cross, a rising star in YA.
User reviews
3 reviews
Overall rating
4.8
Plot
4.7(3)
Characters
4.7(3)
Writing Style
5.0(3)
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A(0)
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Best time travel book
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
5.0
Writing Style
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Julie Cross is a genius, that's all! I loved Tempest and Vortex went one step ahead - I want to read it all over again - like right now. Oh and I am desperate for the third book already; it doesn't even have a name right now.
“Vortex” is a whole new world, literally.
Overall rating
4.7
Plot
4.0
Characters
5.0
Writing Style
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Originally posted on "Confessions of an Opinionated Book Geek"
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http://bookgeekconfessions.tumblr.com/post/40126804675/vortex-tempest-2-by-julie-cross-view-this
Good Points
At the end of “Tempest,” I was heartbroken for Jackson, but I was proud of him. He sacrificed his happiness and his normal life to protect the girl he loves. Vortex is the aftermath of that sacrifice. For me, “Vortex” is devastating. Jackson’s life is in shambles. He trusts no one and has no one to confide in. In his new life as an agent of the CIA division called Tempest, he is demeaned and treated like a joke. He gets no respect and no loyalty. Worst of all he cannot contact the two people he wants to see most.
“Tempest” and “Votex” are parts of the same story, but they are different books. In “Tempest,” Jackson is lost. He has no idea who he is or what he is capable of. Most of all he has seen the girl he loves get murdered and he will do anything to prevent those events from happening. “Tempest” is raw with emotion. It is filled with confusion and self-discovery. “Vortex” is a whole new world, literally. Jackson goes from a confused boy to a focused young man. He is alone, undervalued and resented, but Jackson keeps trucking. He is determined to learn more about his abilities and the enemies of time. He was unprepared to face his enemies before and he will do anything to prevent having to see someone he loves die, again.
The first few chapters of this book were difficult for me to get into. The reason being that I love Jackson so much I wanted him to be ok and he is not. The second reason is that there is a lack of emotional connection in the first third of this installment that was very prevalent in “Tempest.” Jackson is cut off emotionally, he is traumatized, suspicious and on constant guard. He has a very good reason to be this way. I stuck with it and was so relieved and engaged at the first sign of life returning to this character.
There is a saying that has run in my family for the last twenty years or so. When watching TV or reading a book, members of my family have been known to say, “I could write these things.” For some reason we can almost always see the ending or twist of a story coming. When other people jump in shock to find that the killer is under the bed, I’ve been known to nod my head, because somehow I knew that the killer was there the whole time. That being said, there are moments in “Vortex,” that left me SHOCKED. I am not often surpised. There are reveals about a main character that I just did not see coming. I didn’t see it coming and I am not sure what it will mean for Jackson, but it is such an interesting twist.
The one failing of this book is the end. The end is not bad; it just gets a bit confusing. Characters pop up and I am not sure how they can possibly be there. Jackson’s enemies and his role in the universe get more complicated and a lot vaster than he expected. I gave this book four stars instead of five, because the ending just kind of rushes at us and I am not sure exactly what it all means. I was gripped and entertained, but my first thought on conclusion of the book was “What?”
Honestly, read this book. The ending lost me for a few minutes, but I caught right up. It is obvious that Julie Cross left things up in the air, because she intends to explain it all in the sequel. I am not a huge fan of Sci-Fi literature, but I love this series. Julie Cross takes her readers to so many different emotional, mental and scientific places. This series is as smart as it is entertaining and as emotional as it is thought provoking. This series works, because of its plot is good, the writing is fantastic and the main character is someone you will root for until the end.
Here’s the thing about Jackson Meyer. Girls spend their time wishing for “I love you, but I want to kill you” Edward Cullen and “I love you so much I want kill myself” Travis Maddox when they should be wishing for a Jackson Meyer. Jackson’s love for Holly is a force of nature, but it never tramples. It is intense, but never frightening. Jackson and Holly’s love is so powerful time and space cannot stop him from loving her and doing everything in his power to protect her. I want someone to love me that much.
Recommended for readers of YA/ New Adult Fiction and Sci-Fi, fans of books like “The Time Traveler’s Wife” and movies/shows like “Doctor Who” and “Back to the Future.” If you’ve read “Tempest,” you HAVE to read “Vortex.”
“Tempest” and “Votex” are parts of the same story, but they are different books. In “Tempest,” Jackson is lost. He has no idea who he is or what he is capable of. Most of all he has seen the girl he loves get murdered and he will do anything to prevent those events from happening. “Tempest” is raw with emotion. It is filled with confusion and self-discovery. “Vortex” is a whole new world, literally. Jackson goes from a confused boy to a focused young man. He is alone, undervalued and resented, but Jackson keeps trucking. He is determined to learn more about his abilities and the enemies of time. He was unprepared to face his enemies before and he will do anything to prevent having to see someone he loves die, again.
The first few chapters of this book were difficult for me to get into. The reason being that I love Jackson so much I wanted him to be ok and he is not. The second reason is that there is a lack of emotional connection in the first third of this installment that was very prevalent in “Tempest.” Jackson is cut off emotionally, he is traumatized, suspicious and on constant guard. He has a very good reason to be this way. I stuck with it and was so relieved and engaged at the first sign of life returning to this character.
There is a saying that has run in my family for the last twenty years or so. When watching TV or reading a book, members of my family have been known to say, “I could write these things.” For some reason we can almost always see the ending or twist of a story coming. When other people jump in shock to find that the killer is under the bed, I’ve been known to nod my head, because somehow I knew that the killer was there the whole time. That being said, there are moments in “Vortex,” that left me SHOCKED. I am not often surpised. There are reveals about a main character that I just did not see coming. I didn’t see it coming and I am not sure what it will mean for Jackson, but it is such an interesting twist.
The one failing of this book is the end. The end is not bad; it just gets a bit confusing. Characters pop up and I am not sure how they can possibly be there. Jackson’s enemies and his role in the universe get more complicated and a lot vaster than he expected. I gave this book four stars instead of five, because the ending just kind of rushes at us and I am not sure exactly what it all means. I was gripped and entertained, but my first thought on conclusion of the book was “What?”
Honestly, read this book. The ending lost me for a few minutes, but I caught right up. It is obvious that Julie Cross left things up in the air, because she intends to explain it all in the sequel. I am not a huge fan of Sci-Fi literature, but I love this series. Julie Cross takes her readers to so many different emotional, mental and scientific places. This series is as smart as it is entertaining and as emotional as it is thought provoking. This series works, because of its plot is good, the writing is fantastic and the main character is someone you will root for until the end.
Here’s the thing about Jackson Meyer. Girls spend their time wishing for “I love you, but I want to kill you” Edward Cullen and “I love you so much I want kill myself” Travis Maddox when they should be wishing for a Jackson Meyer. Jackson’s love for Holly is a force of nature, but it never tramples. It is intense, but never frightening. Jackson and Holly’s love is so powerful time and space cannot stop him from loving her and doing everything in his power to protect her. I want someone to love me that much.
Recommended for readers of YA/ New Adult Fiction and Sci-Fi, fans of books like “The Time Traveler’s Wife” and movies/shows like “Doctor Who” and “Back to the Future.” If you’ve read “Tempest,” you HAVE to read “Vortex.”
Scrumptious
Overall rating
4.7
Plot
5.0
Characters
4.0
Writing Style
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Great Book definitely recommended!
Good Points
So I’ve got to admit I love to eat! Who doesn’t? I have to be doing something and that something is generally eating. However Julie’s scrumptious book vortex has stopped from eating snacks and has left me devouring the pages of her book. It is utterly delicious and definitely a gourmet book.
The book follows Jackson as he comes across new characters and challenges in his new life as a CIA. Julie managed to do what seems the impossible for many authors in creating a whole new world within each readers mind and her detailed descriptions leave you believing that time travel is possible.
The book follows Jackson as he comes across new characters and challenges in his new life as a CIA. Julie managed to do what seems the impossible for many authors in creating a whole new world within each readers mind and her detailed descriptions leave you believing that time travel is possible.
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