Saturday, April 12, 2014

"The Vortex Series" by Janine Caldwell

REVIEW
The Vortex Series
by Janine Caldwell


  
Rematch and Double Fault are the first two books in The Vortex Series by Janine Caldwell. Also available: Deuce (read my blog post).


Review copies of Rematch and Double Fault were kindly provided by YA Bound Book Tours.


Rematch
(The Vortex Series Book 1)


Description
Trent Astor is many things - orphan, runaway, musician. But what’s most extraordinary about Trent is that he’s a time traveler. His supernatural gift sends him on missions to the past to save unsuspecting victims from harm. However, when he fails to save the life of a young girl, his life changes in ways he could never have dreamed.
At eleven-years-old, Cassie Moore suffered through a horrific shooting. Tragically scarred from the ordeal, the once promising tennis prodigy was forced to throw away all hope of a future in tennis. Now, as she begins her senior year of high school, the past continues to haunt her. She struggles to find herself, her self-esteem at an all time low. If only she could resolve the past, she might be able to move on with her life. She never imagined that could be possible until she meets the gorgeous new student in her PE class.
Set in contemporary Northern California, The Vortex Series is a teen romance for those who also enjoy a bit of science fiction and fantasy. Told in dual perspectives, we get an intimate view of both Cassie and Trent’s worlds. Family relationships, how they interconnect and drive our personalities, is the heart and soul of this YA time traveling novel. This series is recommended for ages 12+.

My Review


By Lynda Dickson
A mysterious boy who goes on "missions" and is camera-shy, tries to save a ten-year-old girl from being shot while playing a tennis match. Who is he and how did he know what was going to happen?
Cassie is about to start her senior year of high school. Her footballer boyfriend Jeff wants to move their relationship to the next level, but Cassie isn't ready. Her dad wants her to take up tennis again, but Cassie is plagued by insecurities and a lack of self-confidence. When a new boy comes to town and joins the school band, Cassie can't shake the feeling that she's seen him somewhere before. Who is he and why does he seem so familiar?
The story is told alternately in the first person from Cassie's and Trent's points-of-view, however there is no confusion as to who is speaking, as they both have different voices. I especially liked the way the author depicted the growing relationship between Cassie and Trent. The author has a great natural conversational writing style, but there are a number of minor editing errors. And just when I was starting to wish for more of the story from Trent's points-of-view, especially when he goes on his missions, my wish was granted. Can't wait to read the next one.

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Double Fault
(The Vortex Series Book 2)


Description
Double Fault is the second book in The Vortex Series where Cassie and Trent’s problems have only just begun. As they fight through the repercussions of creating a parallel world, other dangers are lurking. After years of running, Trent and his orphaned sister, Lorelai, sense the dangerous and power-hungry Dr. Fox is close to discovering their whereabouts.
While Cassie fears for Trent’s life, her tennis career hangs in the balance. Caught between her old and new life, she watches her world slowly crumble until it’s a tragic portrayal of all that she used to know. But worse yet, if her secret is revealed, she might lose what’s most dear to her heart.

My Review


By Lynda Dickson
Now living in an alternate reality because of Trent's meddling, Cassie and Trent are the only ones who can remember what happened previously, leaving Lorelei to become increasingly frustrated. Cassie is more confident in this life and back into tennis. She had a sweet new car, but many things have changed for the worse. Jeff, her old boyfriend, is still interested in her, her best friend Kelli is disappointed in her for moving in on the guy she likes, her brother Gavin misses his pseudo-older-brother Jeff, and her parents now fight non-stop because of her father's obsession with her tennis career. Cassie starts believing that Trent made a mistake by going back in time to change her destiny. Meanwhile, an old enemy resurfaces trying to locate the vortex, the source of Trent's powers. But what is he really after? When Trent discovers a secret that Cassie has been keeping from him, it looks like the last straw. Can they ever be happy again? Will Cassie ask the impossible of Trent? And what effect did the trip to Sedona have on Cassie?
Once again, the story is told from Cassie's and Trent's points-of-view. And again, a number of editing errors, especially incorrect word usage (e.g., passed for past-5 times!, you're for your, breaks for brakes, pouring for poring, plodding for plotting, lessoned for lessened, taught for taut, affects for effects). While there is a lot of action and character interaction, this is not my favorite in the series. But I can't wait to see what happens next!

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About the Author
Janine lives in Anthem, Arizona, with her husband and two sons. When she’s not trying to stay cool, she’s playing tennis, practicing yoga, banging on the drums, or reading. As a lifelong literature fanatic, she knew it was only a matter of time before she would become obsessed with writing her own work. With relatives like the Brothers Grimm and Anita Loos (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes), she hopes fantasy writing is in her DNA.
Books published by Janine include Visited, a YA coming-of-age fantasy, and The Vortex Series: Rematch, Double Fault, and Deuce.

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