Cassidy Jones and Vulcan's Gift (Cassidy Jones Adventures, #2)

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Cassidy Jones and Vulcan's Gift (Cassidy Jones Adventures #2)

by Elise Stokes (Goodreads Author)

4.45 of 5 stars 4.45 · rating details · 175 ratings · 64 reviews

An Ancient Secret Has Risen. A World In Peril. Can This Evil Menace Be Stopped?

Two months after being infected with a strange retrovirus, Cassidy Jones continues to live a double life as she struggles to master her astonishing superpowers. School has become the only normal thing left in her life—except for tall, dark, and handsome Emery Phillips, who shadows her every mov...more

Paperback, 1st Edition, 247 pages

Published December 4th 2011 by JACE Publishing LLC

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Feb 08, 2013 Gail Welborn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews

Cassidy Jones, Seattle’s fascinating fourteen-year-old super-hero, returns in another delightful adventure for middle graders and beyond in book two, Cassidy Jones and Vulcan’s Gift. Cassidy continues to adjust to heightened abilities of sight, smell, speed and athleticism since the accidental exposure to Professor Phillips secret, experimental 10X formula.

The adventure begins with Cassidy at the Seattle Center garbed “head-to-toe in black,” wearing a black ski mask to disguise her youthful age...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Dana Griffin rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you’re reading this review before purchasing Cassidy Jones and Vulcan’s Gift, don’t but it. It’ll deepen your smile lines from the perm-a-grin you’ll have while reading this book. You’ll put off work, sleep, and caring for crying children.

In this second book in the series written in first person, you learn what an extraordinary young woman Cassidy is. Though she’s a typical teenager, she’s a good child with a loving family. Her thoughts will make you chuckle often. She has all the torment you...more

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Dec 26, 2012 Cody Martin rated it 4 of 5 stars

In TV shows, the first episode isn't expected to be that good. It needs to hook you in, but everyone knows most TV shows get better in their later seasons, when the actors and writers have a better handle on the characters and the situations of the show.

Movies and books, on the other hand, have to be great from the first. Most sequels fail for trying to be too much like the first or veering off to something completely different.

Vulcan's Gift is a rare instance of a sequel being better than the f...more

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Nov 08, 2012 Diane Rapp rated it 5 of 5 stars

Cassidy’s adventures are becoming a guilty pleasure!

I read the first book in this series last month and planned to keep this sequel to read with my granddaughter. Couldn’t wait! I got bored reading “grown up” stuff and snuck into the file just to see how the story might evolve. It grabbed me straight off and I had to finish. Cassidy is a breath of fresh air in a world of somber news. She’s got teenage problems but she’s a superhero who must “run off” her excess energy.

When the teenagers partici...more

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Oct 16, 2012 C.K. Raggio rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read a bit of everything, mostly horror and thrillers. But something about CASSIDY JONES AND VULCAN'S GIFT caught my interest. Within the first page I realized what. This book brought me back to the reason I started to read. Back to the days of hiding out in my tree-house with a Nancy Drew novel in my lap. A whole new world at my fingertips.

Cassidy Jones brings back the love I had for mysteries and Nancy, but with some major changes and way cooler twists. Cassidy has normal teenage problems an...more

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Sep 06, 2012 D.S. Walker rated it 5 of 5 stars

I wrote this review for my blog last December, but somehow I forgot to add it here until now. BTW Loved the 2nd book too!

I read Elise Stokes’ captivating YA novel, Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula and fell in love with her family friendly characters. Think of Cassidy as a reserved, awkward, fourteen year old girl who is still trying to decide who she is and where she fits in the universe, while her outspoken friend, Miriam confronts bullies head-on causing Cassidy to fear for their lives.

Whe...more

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Sep 03, 2012 Alice in Readerland rated it 5 of 5 stars

The biggest thing that Cassidy Jones is worried about SnOOZe, the Catamount Mountain Zoo’s sleepover fundraiser, is that she’ll be able to control her superpower impulses (racing cheetahs and arm-wrestling the gorilla aren’t exactly normal behavior), or perhaps, her fear of snakes. But what starts out as a care-free day of her tracking scents ends in hysteria. After tracking the scent to Roga, the tiger, she tunes into a zookeeper telling Roga that one day he’ll spring her free. Cassidy and Emer...more The biggest thing that Cassidy Jones is worried about SnOOZe, the Catamount Mountain Zoo’s sleepover fundraiser, is that she’ll be able to control her superpower impulses (racing cheetahs and arm-wrestling the gorilla aren’t exactly normal behavior), or perhaps, her fear of snakes. But what starts out as a care-free day of her tracking scents ends in hysteria. After tracking the scent to Roga, the tiger, she tunes into a zookeeper telling Roga that one day he’ll spring her free. Cassidy and Emery decide not to say anything, and instead focus on keeping Cassidy’s little brother, Chazz entertained by the indoor animal show. Everything goes smoothly, until the lights are turned out, the doors are locked, bats are let loose, the python is left free to slither across the floor (that is, until Cassidy straddles it and holds it in place), and they receive the news that Roga has escaped.

Feeling responsible, Cassidy and Emery vow to track Roga. But instead, what discover in the woods isn’t the tiger; it’s a man in a mysterious silver suit who seems to have some sort of super powers too. They also run into the famous television Big Game host, Leroy Rays, who tries to shoot Cassidy with tranquilizer darts, believing she’s some sort of animal in her fur coat.

So all they have to do is 1) Find out who or what the silver suit is, 2) find the tiger, and 3) avoid, or maybe confront, the group of sasquatch enthusiasts swarming the woods because they believe that Cassidy is sasquatch. Or do these problems somehow all tie together?

Not only is this book filled with action-packed scenes that hold so many twists-and-turns, the well-described settings of the zoo and woods will keep you fascinated. While trying to solve the mystery, there are also so many hilarious scenes, including Cassidy in a Chewbacca costume, the Sasquatch enthusiasts, and a rather unfortunate 1968 Camaro. What I also liked about this book is that we get to see more characters explored, not only do we get to see Cassidy gain more confidence, but we also see more of Cassidy’s neighbor: the bum, self-serving, Jason Crenshaw.

Fans of Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula are sure to love Cassidy Jones and Vulcan’s Gift.

See my full review on my blog, Alice in Readerland: http://aliceinreaderland.wordpress.co... (less)

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Jun 09, 2012 Mike rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, needs-editing, indie

Now, I'm not the target audience for this book, being male and no longer a teenager, though I do read a lot of YA and enjoy it. So the teenage angst and high-school drama wasn't as interesting or relatable to me as it might be to someone whose life it reflects. I did think at one point that I'd been hoping for something more like Heroes than Glee.

But otherwise (and I emphasize that what I've just mentioned is an audience mismatch and not a flaw in the book), I found this enjoyable. Cassidy Jone...more

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May 07, 2012 G. rated it 5 of 5 stars

She's back! Cassidy Jones rides again in Cassidy Jones and Vulcan's gift.

When things at a nearby zoo go awry, Cassidy and her crime-fighting partner, Emery Phillips, determine to solve the mystery of the whereabouts of Roga, the tiger, and the strange circumstances surrounding his escape. In the process, similar to another Jones, Cassidy's fear of all things reptilian comes front and center, as a 13-foot Python puts the squeeze on her.

Aside from the superhero action and the peeling back the laye...more She's back! Cassidy Jones rides again in Cassidy Jones and Vulcan's gift.

When things at a nearby zoo go awry, Cassidy and her crime-fighting partner, Emery Phillips, determine to solve the mystery of the whereabouts of Roga, the tiger, and the strange circumstances surrounding his escape. In the process, similar to another Jones, Cassidy's fear of all things reptilian comes front and center, as a 13-foot Python puts the squeeze on her.

Aside from the superhero action and the peeling back the layers of the mystery, there are still the other things teenagers tend to deal with. Cassidy, is after all, still in high school, and trying to cope with the absurdities that all of that brings. And yes, there is another confrontation with Robin, Cassidy's main rival for Jared, the boy-who-got-away, or so Cassidy believes.

Sophomore entries for any artist are always compared to the original, and oftentimes, found wanting. In the case of Vulcan's Gift, such is not the case. Far from it. Stokes takes all that was fun and compelling from Secret Formula, providing a sense of security and a foundation of familiarity, but then takes it up a few notches. Even though she is still battling moments of moral crisis, when the "beast within" takes over more than it should, Cassidy is learning how to better master her powers in and out of dangerous situations. She's also gaining new ones, such as a dense, armor-like hide that pops up anytime her body is about to be pounded or skewered.

There is a costume change, too. In Secret Formula, Cassidy primarily wore a dark ninja suit in either stealth or combat mode. With circumstances being very different, her disguise must adhere to it. It's genius, hilarity and practicality, all rolled into one.

Anyone who read Secret Formula and loved it, will adore Vulcan's Gift. The action is high, the teenage angst and romance are kept at appropriate levels, and the story keeps rolling through one scene to the next. There are also moments of endearment, as Cassidy finds solace in her family when things get too rough emotionally for her to take them on by herself.

Tweens and teens are still the target ages for this series, but adults fond of the heroes of yesteryear will enjoy this. In all the right ways, Cassidy is a throwback hero to the golden age of comics, and that of high adventure. Just like Secret Formula, I highly recommend Vulcan's Gift.(less)

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Jan 25, 2012 Katie Bridges rated it 5 of 5 stars

Cassidy Jones and the Vulcun's Gift reels you in with the very first scene and doesn't let go until you reach the last page. And even then, it makes you want to keep reading. With fascinating characters who come to life on the page and a storyline that is deeply meaningful, Elise Stokes tells a unique story you won't read anywhere else. There's enough going on to keep you on your toes, wondering what comes next. The complexity of the writing makes it an entertaining read for more seasoned reader...more

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Jan 25, 2012 Kitty Bullard rated it 5 of 5 stars

Book Title: "Cassidy Jones and Vulcan's Gift"
Author: Elise Stokes
Published By: Jace Publishing
Age Recommended: 10 +
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 5

Review: Elise Stokes has done it again, and this time she has truly gone above and beyond. After reading her first 'Cassidy Jones' book I had already fallen in love with the characters and their ability to amuse and delight me. I can say now with acute honesty that I look forward to Cassidy's adventures to continue for years to come. This is...more Book Title: "Cassidy Jones and Vulcan's Gift"
Author: Elise Stokes
Published By: Jace Publishing
Age Recommended: 10 +
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 5

Review: Elise Stokes has done it again, and this time she has truly gone above and beyond. After reading her first 'Cassidy Jones' book I had already fallen in love with the characters and their ability to amuse and delight me. I can say now with acute honesty that I look forward to Cassidy's adventures to continue for years to come. This is by far turning out to be one of the most amazing and well-written, middle grade to young adult series I have ever read.

Elise's execution of character development carries a perfection that is not easy for a lot of writers to obtain within two books alone. She writes in such a way that allows her characters to grow at the perfect pace. I can't imagine anyone young or old not falling for this rewarding series. There is never a dull moment in the world of Cassidy Jones. If you truly want to buy a book series you and your kids will enjoy I encourage you to pick up both Elise Stokes' books. "Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula" and "Cassidy Jones and Vulcan's Gift." You will not want to miss out on a single moment of this magnificent series.

In this dynamic sequel, Cassidy and her ever-present bodyguard/best friend, Emery, are on the trail of a person that could be supremely dangerous having found an item of great power. When what should be a quiet and fun sleepover at the Catamount Zoo turns into a frightening and potentially deadly evening, Cassidy and Emery begin to suspect that the well-to-do family that owns the place may have more secrets than animals in cages.

This book has it all, wild adventure, non-stop action, hilarious banter, family value and love, teenage angst, and excitement at every turn! Even an old urban legend makes an appearance in this delightful sequel about a fourteen year old girl that accidentally gains abilities most adults would have a hard time coping with. I cannot praise Elise Stokes or her creation enough, simply stunning and beyond superb!
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Jan 18, 2012 Alisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

I thought this book started out slower than the first one, but by the end I couldn't get enough of Cassidy and Emery! Cassidy is a great heroine -- already feeling like an awkward teenager, she is now stuck with these super powers that she has to hide. She comes from a loving, supportive family - but this is something she must hide even from her own family -- for their own safety! If people found out what a fantastic weapon she was, there is nothing that could stop the bad guys from tracking her...more

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Jan 04, 2012 Stacey Urhammer rated it 5 of 5 stars

So often sequels pale in comparison to the first book, but not so with Cassidy Jones! Instead our heroine learns to control her powers more fully and even discovers some surprising new talents in her transformation from shy school girl to superhuman mutant--running faster, flinging full grown men aside as if they were rag dolls, and even scaling Seattle's iconic Space Needle. In Vulcan's Gift, Cassidy Jones still struggles with typical teen social issues--bullying, angst, awkwardness, and unreq...more

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Dec 13, 2011 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Have you been waiting on a series that will knock your socks off? How about a series that leaves you breathless, excited, and ready for more? If you think you are ready for something like that, then you can now go to your nearest book retailer and pick up your copy of Cassidy Jones and Vulcan’s Gift. But make sure you are properly prepared. If you don’t have your Sasquatch hunting gear, you may be a bit outgunned…Just a warning!

This is the second book in Elise Stokes’ Cassidy Jones series. Cassi...more Have you been waiting on a series that will knock your socks off? How about a series that leaves you breathless, excited, and ready for more? If you think you are ready for something like that, then you can now go to your nearest book retailer and pick up your copy of Cassidy Jones and Vulcan’s Gift. But make sure you are properly prepared. If you don’t have your Sasquatch hunting gear, you may be a bit outgunned…Just a warning!

This is the second book in Elise Stokes’ Cassidy Jones series. Cassidy is too much for one book to handle, Stokes had to unleash her again for a second book. If you thought she and her friends took you on a wild ride before, you have no idea what you are in for when you crack open Vulcan’s Gift.

We get to see all of our favorite characters from the first book, and of course, we can’t have new adventures without new and eccentric characters. What kind of fun would that be? Did I mention there was a Sasquatch? I think that was a personal favorite of mine.
Poor Cassidy had some “stuff” happen to her in the first book that took her from regular high school student to maiden extraordinaire! Just when she started to get used to that, life gets a bit more interesting for Cassidy. Her hard-as-nails personality takes on a whole new meaning in this book – just wait until you read this one! I’m not sure how would handle the things that she goes through. But she handles it with grace (usually) and a fierce attitude that would make a lady proud. Any young girl looking for a new role model can find one in Cassidy. Any mom would be proud to have their daughter look up to Cassidy Jones.

This story will take you on a ride that you really will be thrilled to be on. The evil is new, but just as enthralling, and Cassidy handles it the only way she knows how: full-steam ahead. Along the way, Cassidy discovers she has a few new things up her “sleeves.” She and Emery will do what they can as a team – even if it isn’t always the best teamwork. Emery and Cassidy have a few, shall we say, issues?

I am a Cassidy Jones fan for life. I am already getting antsy to read the next one!
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Dec 06, 2011 Krystal rated it 4 of 5 stars

This novel is the continuation of Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula. This book was just as exciting as the last. I enjoyed Cassidy's character the most. She is always so fun to read about. She is inquisitive, compassionate, and exactly as a teen should be. It's hard to write from a teen's point of view, the author does a wonderful job of it. Emery is still the awesome male counterpart to Cassidy; again, it can't be easy to write from a male point of view, but the author makes Emery as masculi...more

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Dec 06, 2011 Michelle Isenhoff rated it 5 of 5 stars

I’m excited about the release of Elise Stokes’ second novel, Cassidy Jones and Vulcan’s Gift. This fast-paced series is reminiscent of the adventures of comic book superheroes, except Cassidy Jones happens to be a totally hip, totally stubborn, totally modern fifteen-year-old girl. A freak accident left her with enhanced senses and superhuman strength that she struggles mightily to adjust to. She may be saving the Seattle suburbs by night, but by day she must try to fit into Queen Anne High Scho...more I’m excited about the release of Elise Stokes’ second novel, Cassidy Jones and Vulcan’s Gift. This fast-paced series is reminiscent of the adventures of comic book superheroes, except Cassidy Jones happens to be a totally hip, totally stubborn, totally modern fifteen-year-old girl. A freak accident left her with enhanced senses and superhuman strength that she struggles mightily to adjust to. She may be saving the Seattle suburbs by night, but by day she must try to fit into Queen Anne High School, navigate those tricky guy-girl relationships, and make sure none of her friends figure out her secret. Such a rumor whispered to the wrong individual would put her loved ones at serious risk.

In Vulcan’s Gift, a top-secret weapon leftover from Nazi German, long considered a myth, surfaces on Catamount Mountain. It’s up to Cassidy and her brilliant sidekick, Emery, to figure out and muscle down this new threat. Throw in a missing Siberian tiger, multiple Sasquatch sightings (not to mention the gaggle of faithful Sasquatch followers), family wealth, and a shiny new villain, and you have the recipe for a teen-pleasing page-turner.

Let’s backtrack to Emery for a moment. Son of the scientist connected to Cassidy’s enhancement, Emery has some impressive credentials of his own. At age fifteen, he’s already earned a college degree and put off graduate school to guard and guide Cassidy. Unrealistic? Of course! As you recall, we’re talking comic book superheroes here. Anyway, Emery is light years ahead of the pack in maturity and intellect, and his perfection can get downright obnoxious. Yet, there’s a warmth and genuine affection to his character that makes me hope Cassidy will finally be done with her high school crush, Jared, once and for all. Aside from Cassidy and her wonderful physical dilemma, Emery is by far the most complex character of the series.

There are many things I appreciate about Vulcan’s Gift, not the least of which is Ms. Stokes’ polished writing style. While it isn’t poetic or abundant in creative word pictures (which I have a real penchant for) it IS solid, smooth, and so easy to read - perfect for a high-flying adventure. I also applaud Ms. Stokes for leaving out the language and content so many of us find objectionable in children’s literature. I didn’t miss it! Her imagination for thinking up a superb plot is better than most and packaged air-tight, and colorful, bigger-than-life characters are becoming her trademark. No, this series isn't particularly deep or beautiful, or even witty, but it sure is fun to read!

Once again, the end of the book leaves lots of wiggle room for a new adventure. Questions from the first book remain, and now we’ve left a psychotic new villain on the loose, last seen laughing maniacally. I’ll be eagerly awaiting book three, Ms. Stokes!(less)

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Feb 09, 2013 Yodamom rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: action-jackson, cliffhanger-light, fantasy, mystery, owned, strong-women, urban-fantasy, ya-books, yummy-men

4.4 Big Stars
I loved the adventure this author took me on. I was taken this town where a 15 year old girl and a 15 year old boy save a massive beast and possibly our freedom. I know you're think 15 years olds ??? It was so intelligently written that I forgot through most of the book that they were so young. These two have brains and use them more than their hormones ! They also have a bond that is just being explored, not romance, but more than friendship. I love the interaction between them and...more

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Jun 22, 2012 Pepper Thorn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Vulcan's Gift is even better than The Secret Formula!

Every series has a make it or break it book, a book that sets the tone for the rest of the series and decides whether subsequent books will be slight variations on the same theme or an evolving, life-of-it's-own story. Elise Stokes rose to the challenge and ensured that I will be eagerly awaiting each new installment of Cassidy's story.

Vulcan's Gift delivers everything you want and expect from a superhero sequel. More about Cassidy's powers?...more

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Sep 22, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Totally engaging and entertaining, as with Cassidy Jones and The Secret Formula. I don't know why, but this book just punches all the right buttons for me. I love everything!
The plot gets more complicated here-- what seems like a simple attempt to find and capture a tiger on the loose led to the unraveling of a more malevolent scheme. Cassidy & Emery encounters a man in a supernatural suit of armor in their search for the tiger. Their investigation reveals the suit is a gift from Vulcan, a m...more

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Mar 22, 2012 Timothy Davis rated it 5 of 5 stars

While Cassidy stalks a Siberian tiger, a metal man dashes past her like the “flash a fishing lure reflects in the sunlight.” Her “prey drive” engulfs her and she shoots after him like a bullet–thus putting Emory and her in the center of a scary and exciting mystery within a mystery. Lovers of Cassidy Jones and The Secret Formula will delight in this second book in the series. It's more than just thrilling. Stokes deepens and widens the playing field in this book. She not only introduces fascinat...more

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Dec 27, 2011 Robert Morrow rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love an intense experience: a rich cup of espresso, a fine Malbec, a taut and well-played game of baseball. Intensity is a state the occurs when a stimulus is powerful enough to remove you from current time and place and immerse you in an alternative world where senses, emotions and thoughts become more vivid and alive.

That pretty much describes what it's like to read Cassidy Jones and Vulcan's Gift.

The second installment in the Cassidy Jones Adventures series does not let up for a moment, fro...more I love an intense experience: a rich cup of espresso, a fine Malbec, a taut and well-played game of baseball. Intensity is a state the occurs when a stimulus is powerful enough to remove you from current time and place and immerse you in an alternative world where senses, emotions and thoughts become more vivid and alive.

That pretty much describes what it's like to read Cassidy Jones and Vulcan's Gift.

The second installment in the Cassidy Jones Adventures series does not let up for a moment, from the exceptionally well-written prologue to the end of the book. Even the relatively quiet and "normal" parts (when superhero Cassidy exists in the context of teenage reality) turn out to be fascinating vignettes of the teenage experience, with all the wild-card emotions coming into play. Plot development is tight, the story is well-told and the characters surprisingly authentic for a fantasy adventure.

As I pointed out in my review of Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula, Cassidy is an exceptional character who would still be exceptional if she were cured of her super powers. At times mature and perceptive, at other times hopelessly adolescent, Elise Stokes has developed a character that is anything but a caricature. This foundational strength is even more apparent in this second book as Cassidy becomes more comfortable with her accidental capabilities while becoming less comfortable with the simmering conflict inside her. She is a very competent superhero but also a teenager with shaky confidence, and it is this combination of strength and vulnerability that makes you want to cheer her on. We never forget that Cassidy, albeit in the exaggerated transformation to superhero, is a young girl always in danger of losing control, which also happens to be what it feels like to be a teenager.

Ms. Stokes has also strengthened the supporting cast, with Emery Phillips (Cassidy's partner in adventure) also serving as something of a role model who tries to temper Cassidy's typically teenage tendency to unfairly judge other people. We see this as Emery enlists the help of a chain-smoking layabout named Jason, whom Cassidy immediately rejects as a colleague and whom Emery calmly defends for his virtues and unique moral code. Emery's dispassionate and open-minded view of human nature contrasts nicely with the labeling tendency we all have in our teenage years (and which some of us cling to through adulthood).

Cassidy also befriends a homeless fellow named (appropriately) Joe, the kind of person who rarely appears on anyone's radar, much less that of a fourteen-year old girl. Her defense of Joe, who is being attacked by the typical gang of teenagers looking for kicks, tells us a lot about Cassidy's fundamental sense of decency and fair play. The only problem I had with the book was that there was no final scene with Joe, as I think he could serve as a good friend and mentor for Cassidy; sort of an ironic version of Dumbledore.

I should also mention the forces of evil against whom Cassidy and Emery do battle. The initial encounter with Metal Man was so well-written that I felt like I was there. The final battle against the evil Lily White (a perfect name if there ever was one!) is more tightly-written than the climax in the first book. Ms. Stokes has not spent much time developing the characters on the dark side, which I feel at this stage of the series is a good choice (Voldemort was hardly real until the end of Book 4). However, at some point in the series, we will have to have a better understanding of Cassidy's definition of evil so that we better understand Cassidy herself.

In my earlier review, I compared the first installment to Ms. Rowling's efforts and certainly felt that Cassidy Jones held up well. In this second installment, Cassidy takes the lead. I never felt that Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets added much to the series; Rowling really didn't get moving until Book 3. With Cassidy Jones and Vulcan's Gift, Ms. Stokes has taken the series to a higher level and the path forward is full of intriguing possibilities.

I will now exist in that exquisitely agonizing space of having to wait a whole year for those possibilities to play out in the next installment.

See the Cassidy Jones Adventures website for more information about the books and the author. (less)

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Jan 24, 2012 Tammy Gaspar rated it 5 of 5 stars

Cassidy's wild ride in Vulcan's gift is a wonderfully written adventure that keeps you reading and wanting more! I have to say I'm firmly on 'Team Emery'. I love the addition of the new characters and can't wait to see how it all plays out....will Jason stay true to form....will Joe continue to counsel Cassidy?? How is keeping all these secrets going to effect her relationship with her twin??? I love that Cassidy for everything she's going through still has the loving and affectionate relationsh...more

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Dec 20, 2011 Kat rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you liked Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula, than this one you will love.

Elise has really developed the characters and their relationship well. She all introduces more of Cassidy friends and a new enemy for Cassidy. Twice the action, twice the drama, twice the fun. She also kept her crazy, out of the world villain signature for this book. The plot was action-packed and kept me reading with a table lamp. And that plot kept Cassidy up all night, too. Big surprise at the end, one that she ke...more

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Jun 17, 2012 Catherine rated it 4 of 5 stars

I liked this one a lot more than the previous one (the first book in the series). I suppose it's because the setting and relationships have already been set, so it's just about furthering details and action in this book. Much of the relationships are the same; you still get to see the Jones family and Serena, plus Cassy's friends at school. There's even more typical teenage drama, which was interesting and fun to read about.

As for my biggest criticism from the previous book, it still held true f...more

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May 22, 2012 Patrick A. Parish rated it 5 of 5 stars

One word... AWESOME!

Cassidy Jones Adventure had me enthralled for the first book 'The Secret Formula', and 'Vulcan's Gift' continues to deliver a powerfully entertaining story!

With an understanding of the teenage mind, and the ability to provide flowing descriptions for the action and intrigue involved, I also felt as though I were still a teenager remembering all of the challenges and emotional turmoil of the struggle in growing up.

The author also adds a 'super hero' theme that is entirely beli...more

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May 01, 2012 C.R. Hiatt rated it 5 of 5 stars

Elise Stokes had me at the onset when the second book in the series opened with Cassidy Jones scaling Seattle's iconic Space Needle, and moments later, wound up with her Nike planted on the chest of a bad guy. At the same time, she was attempting to keep her super powers a secret, only instead of wearing the mask to hide her identity, she was carrying it. Ah, the life of a stubborn, teenage super hero.

Then, we come back to reality, where Cassidy still deals with the usual things teenagers endure...more

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Apr 23, 2012 Vered rated it 5 of 5 stars

I hate giving 5 stars. Here’s why:
a) There are people out there who suspect that 5 stars are from best friends or review swaps or paid for etc (I write only honest reviews, with no incentives or favours given or received); and
b) What if the author’s next book is even better and you can’t give out more stars?!

But sometimes I just can’t resist. This is definitely one of those times. I loved this book! Seriously, and I’m not a young adult. In ‘Cassidy Jones and the Vulcan’s Gift’, Cassidy and Emer...more

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Jan 16, 2013 Chris Yarbrough rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have a problem with writing this review. I gave Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula 5 stars, so I feel like I should be able to give Vulcan's Gift 6. This books is just pure fun and excitement. New friends. New enemies. New powers. Vulcan's Gift is like the best parts of Secret Formula on steroids.

The best superhero series get better once the origin is "out of the way", and this is the case with Cassidy Jones. Vulcan's Gift builds on everything that happened in Secret Formula without relying...more

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Apr 24, 2012 Rick Gualtieri rated it 5 of 5 stars

Elise Stokes' first book in this series, Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula does for superheroes what Harry Potter did for wizards. Vulcan's Gift is both the Superman II and Wrath of Khan to the first book in that it only improves upon what came before. Cassidy's origin out of the way, we catch up to her a few weeks later as she's beginning to test out her new powers more and become more comfortable with them. This is always my favorite part of any superhero story. Ok, we know how you got ther...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Mardi Orlando rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a great YA series I have found to love! The Cassidy Jones Adventures is a wild ride and The Vulcan's Gift doesn't disappoint.
The dramatic change Cassidy undergoes from the first book continues. Cassidy's super-powers are in full-force but slowly she is learning to adapt to her new powers until again evil comes to visit. This adventurous plot leaves Cassidy with a new evil to fight. Luckily, her fantastically enigmatic sidekick, Emery, who is so much more interesting in this sequel, helps he...more

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Creative Reviews: Review request for newly released Book Two in Cassidy Jones Adventures	3	41	Mar 26, 2013 12:41pm

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Young Adult

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Science Fiction

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Adventure

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Fantasy > Paranormal

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Comics > Superheroes

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Fantasy

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About Elise Stokes

Elise Stokes lives with her husband and four children. She was an elementary school teacher before becoming a full-time mom. With a daughter in middle school and two in high school, Elise’s understanding of the challenges facing girls in that age range inspired her to create a series that will motivate girls to value individualism, courage, integrity, and intelligence. The stories in Cassidy Jones...more

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Books by Elise Stokes

Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula (Cassidy Jones Adventures, #1)

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13159540-cassidy-jones-and-vulcan-s-gift?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327257502l/13159540.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13159540-cassidy-jones-and-vulcan-s-gift?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Cassidy Jones and Vulcan's Gift by Elise Stokes[/url]

Cassidy Jones and Vulcan's Gift (Cassidy Jones Adventures #2)

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