Vortex (Tempest #2)

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!

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.

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.