Vortex (Insignia #2) by S.J. Kincaid
Vortex (Insignia #2) by S.J. Kincaid
Synopsis:
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?
Filled with action and intelligence, camaraderie and humor, the second book in S.J. Kincaid’s futuristic World War III Insignia trilogy continues to explore fascinating and timely questions about power, politics, technology, loyalty, and friendship.
Review:
Vortex is the second in Author S.J. Kincaid’s YA Sci-Fi series, Insignia. The tagline for this book is “beyond the impossible,” and it’s a very apt description of this story.
Tom and his friends are back at the Spire – a sort of school meant to train young men and women with microchips in their heads how to become soldiers in the ongoing battle of World War 3 – and things have changed since their first year. Tom’s relationship with Medusa has crumbled, Blackburn is still a thorn in his side, and everyone seems to be out for his blood. His ability to link with machines is becoming an issue, as certain parties begin to suspect there’s a ghost in the machine. And to top it all off, he’s bunking alone this year.
Throughout it all, Tom remains determined to come out on top. Although he stumbles and falls, he gets right back up and keeps fighting for the win.
Without a doubt, this is a truly remarkable science fiction novels. That goes without saying. It blends in a lot of classic sci-fi elements that every one of us loves: exosuits, space battles/travel, computer hacking, security robots, and of course video gaming. But, with all of these amazing components, the one thing I loved the absolute most was the relationship between Tom and Medusa. It was very well done, with Medusa’s feelings up in the air after the ending of the first novel and Tom trying to rectify it with his awkward sense of romanticism. It was very charming in its own unique way, and I enjoyed reading about it immensely.
By the end of the story, I was aching for more. It left off on such a critical position… I’m dying to know what happens next!
Five out of Five stars!
Check out S.J. Kincaid’s website here!
