Book Review: Vortex by S.J. Kincaid

Vortex by S.J. Kincaid
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books
Publication date: July 2013
Pages: 400
Source: E-book from Library
For: Fun
Series: Insignia, Book 2

Summary from goodreads: *Spoilers are inevitable for the first book*

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?

Things I Liked:
I still love the concept and enjoy seeing what new crazy sci-fi tech will pop up next.  Plus, the story is full of action and adventure and crazy twists and turns.  It's been a while since I read this one too, so the details are vague to me now, but I remember being sufficiently surprised by many things that happened.  It's a big book, but it kept me reading to the end. 

Things I Didn't Like:
I think it kind of suffered from middle book syndrome.  Not a whole lot actually happened, though there was a lot of running around and trying to make decisions.  Menacing things and people appear, but it didn't seem to move forward plot-wise.  Anyway, I'm invested enough to keep reading the next book.

Read-alikes:
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Epic by Connor Kostick
Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
some

mrg-factor: none


v-factor: ->->->
some intense stuff at times

Overall rating: ****

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Book Review: Insignia by S.J. Kincaid

Insignia by S.J. Kincaid
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: July 2012
Pages: 464
Source: Library
For: Fun!
Series: Insignia, Book 1

Tom is tired of the drifter's life - following his father from one casino to the next, living off what they hope to win. So when an opportunity to join the most elite military school seems to drop into his lap, he leaps at the opportunity, leaving his old life behind. That new life seems just about perfect, until he isn't quite sure what he's giving up in order to become what they want him to be.

Things I Liked:
This book was the one to pull me out of my funk (don't worry, I still have lots of reviews to post from those meh books).  I am so happy to have finally read it, as it's been on my radar for ages.  I loved it.  I loved the sci-fi elements - the gaming (though, I'm not a gamer) and how complicated and detailed the world-building was.  This is not exactly a lite sci-fi (though hard core fans would probably think so), but it has enough detail about the space elements to make my inner space geek freak out.  I love books that can capture the excitement I feel about science and make it into a spanking good story.  And boy does this book have a good story.  I was swept away in the action and intrigued by who was doing what and why.  It kept me guessing (which, as you may recall, seems to be harder than it used to be).  Not only that but the characters were human and interesting and I cared about them.  I liked Tom not only because he was a good guy, but because sometimes he was reckless and stupid.  What can I say, flawed men are more real.  I just had a really good time reading this book, despite its size.

Things I Didn't Like:
Ok, there were a few times when I read the sci-fi details and I said - that wouldn't happen; that doesn't sound like good science.  But, to be honest, it's been a while since I was in classes learning it and I don't exactly keep up on that stuff.  Plus, it was only a handful of times and for small things.  I really just fell into this one so hard I didn't notice flaws.  The ending, though, left me feeling a little bit sad and a little bit thrilled - I need to know more about what happens.

Read-alikes:
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Epic by Connor Kostick
Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor:!@
some, not a lot

mrg-factor:X
some implied stuff

v-factor:->->
a few incidents, but mostly virtual battles

Overall rating: *****

What books pull you out of your funk?  New and exciting or old favorites?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage