"You outrank me.
You shouldn't call me 'Sir.' "
--SJ Kincaid, Vortex
You shouldn't call me 'Sir.' "
--SJ Kincaid, Vortex
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, 400 pages
Publication Date: July 2nd, 2013
Goodreads Description
The impossible was just the beginning. Now in their second year as superhuman government weapons-in-training at the Pentagonal Spire, Tom Raines and his friends are mid-level cadets in the elite combat corps known as the Intrasolar Forces. But as training intensifies and a moment arrives that could make or break his entire career, Tom’s loyalties are again put to the test.
Encouraged to betray his ideals and friendships for the sake of his country, Tom is convinced there must be another way. And the more aware he becomes of the corruption surrounding him, the more determined he becomes to fight it, even if he sabotages his own future in the process.
Drawn into a power struggle more dramatic than he has ever faced before, Tom stays a hyperintelligent step ahead of everyone, like the exceptional gamer he is—or so he believes. But when he learns that he and his friends have unwittingly made the most grievous error imaginable, Tom must find a way to outwit an enemy so nefarious that victory seems hopeless. Will his idealism and bravado cost him everything—and everyone that matters to him?
The impossible was just the beginning. Now in their second year as superhuman government weapons-in-training at the Pentagonal Spire, Tom Raines and his friends are mid-level cadets in the elite combat corps known as the Intrasolar Forces. But as training intensifies and a moment arrives that could make or break his entire career, Tom’s loyalties are again put to the test.
Encouraged to betray his ideals and friendships for the sake of his country, Tom is convinced there must be another way. And the more aware he becomes of the corruption surrounding him, the more determined he becomes to fight it, even if he sabotages his own future in the process.
Drawn into a power struggle more dramatic than he has ever faced before, Tom stays a hyperintelligent step ahead of everyone, like the exceptional gamer he is—or so he believes. But when he learns that he and his friends have unwittingly made the most grievous error imaginable, Tom must find a way to outwit an enemy so nefarious that victory seems hopeless. Will his idealism and bravado cost him everything—and everyone that matters to him?
My Thoughts
I love me some sci-fi. I mean, seriously. The
science talk. The geek vibe. The battles. Everything I love about sci-fi and
Insignia was present in Vortex. All our characters are back in full swing…and
with a lot of surpises.
The plot of Vortex picks up and continues to
show us how this war is being fought. With Tom, Ashwan, and Wyatt all as
Middles, we see more intricate science at work and the weapons engineered in
this futuristic world. I love reading about them training. I can’t get enough
of the high-tech toys they get to play, er, learn how to use responsibly… We
get to see the inner workings of the different power players of companies that
are funding the war. And a lot of crazy stuff happens after that, but I will
not spoil the plot.
Tom continues to be Tom in the way that he
doesn’t take no shit from anyone. I like this kid. While he alienates most
people and his action, 9 times out of 10, would have me screaming at him for
being so insolent…I just didn’t have it in me. The rationale behind why Tom
acts the way he does is pretty right on. He also brings up a lot of good points
about how society is run. He discusses at multiple times how he refuses to show
blind adoration for the people running the Multi National Corporations. He
brings up the point of, why does he have to bow or grovel at the feet of these
billionaires simply because they are…billionaires. It makes complete sense.
While it would be easy to be polite and suck up to these people, I give Tom mad
respect for not doing it. It is so true. Just because you have a lot of money
does not make you better than anyone else. So, why should everyone worship the
ground you walk on and tiptoe on eggshells to make sure they only falter you?
It’s stupid. And society is stupid for believing this. This is similar to the
reason why I hate celebrities and actors. Why in the hell should people worship
you just because you make movies? Big fucking deal. How about we worship the
fire fighter, policemen, and doctors who save lives everyday? Those should be
the millionaires—sorry, I digress. But it’s true.
It’s hard to talk more about the plot and what
I liked without giving too much away so I’ll say this. Wyatt continues to
astound me and totally kick ass. Ashwan is hilarious and, to be honest, the
moments between the friends are my favorites. Their banter and quiet moments
are just not to be missed. Hilarious. Yuri plays a bigger role than I ever
expected. Elliot also continues to surprise me and I found myself liking him SO
much more in this book. He is really quite wise and a really good guy. Heather
is vapid and excruciatingly manipulative. She drives me nuts. Blackburn …is
hard to read. He’s got a lot more going on than you think and he never ceases
to surprise me in both good and bad ways.
I think this was a fantastic follow-up to
Insignia. The science is amazing. The characters continue to make me laugh and
love them. A LOT of surprises. The plot twists and turns and I have no idea
what I’m going to be reading next in this story…and I love that. It can go
anywhere. I can’t believe we only have one book left!! Can’t wait until next
year!
Should You Read This? Yes! Sci-fi lovers.
Lovers of Insignia. This sequel will not disappoint.
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