Vortex by Julie Cross

Pages - 435

Published by Pan Macmillan in January 2013

Book kindly sent by publisher for an honest review.

The only things that gave me the strength to pull myself off that grassy spot and walk further from Holly were the images that flashed through my mind - Holly, sitting in that orientation, hiding the book in her lap with her name carefully written inside, her hair twirling around the pencil she was using to take notes. I had sat three rows behind her that day...today...and watched her the whole two hours.

Amazon Summary

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, all that changes when Holly—the girl he altered history to save—re-enters his life. And when Eyewall, an opposing division of the CIA, emerges, Jackson and his fellow agents find themselves under attack and on the run. Jackson must decide between saving the love of his life and the entire world . . .

*******

I was so looking forward to reading this sequel. I really loved the first book Tempest last year as it gave a refreshing YA spin on the time travel genre. Vortex takes the story to a whole new level, and to be honest I found that rather confusing. The language and descriptions were often quite technical and I felt it went a little over my head. I just couldn’t get my head completely round the concept of full jumps, half jumps and different worlds appearing with each jump. It actually felt like a different series completely, as the book was such a change in style from the first one.

The plot is fast paced and with lots of information to be taken in, I found I struggled to enjoy it as much as the first.

On reflection, I think this is a book that needs to be read slowly. Not advisable for a book blogger on a mission. The concepts need time to be digested. When read at a fast pace, you completely lose the plot to the whole story. I kept thinking of the Matrix films where in the first one I understood completely what was going on, but by the third I didn’t have a clue. Tempest kind of hit me like that.  I can only imagine the third book will go completely over my head.

The fresh new characters were interesting and really came alive in the book. Kendrick and Stewart really stood out for me; especially as their very different relationships with Jackson developed throughout the story.  I also loved the new developments and twists that occurred with the wellloved characters from the first book. Holly’s transformation was amazing, although I missed the love affair with Jackson that made the first book blossom so much.

This book would probably suit readers who enjoy the Mission Impossible style thrillers.