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Vortexes
A Dystopian Urban Fantasy
Desperate times have come to Emma Maya Ando’s country. A totalitarian regime with no tolerance for deviation has marginalized thousands. Neither physical exceptionality nor freedom of thought has a place. All is conformity. But Maya doesn’t conform, and time is running out on her ability to conceal her condition. Can Maya find a cure before she is swept up in a purge… or will she take her secret to the grave?
Desperate times have come to Emma Maya Ando’s country. A totalitarian regime with no tolerance for deviation has marginalized thousands. Neither physical exceptionality nor freedom of thought has a place. All is conformity. But Maya doesn’t conform, and time is running out on her ability to conceal her condition. Can Maya find a cure before she is swept up in a purge… or will she take her secret to the grave?
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2018
2 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 3, 2019
I’m quickly becoming a fan of dystopia science fiction so I absolutely adored this book. It started off with a bang, pulling the reader in with a sequence of action. At first, it was confusing since I wasn’t quite sure what was happening, but when things started to fall in place, and some of my questions were answered, I found it was difficult to put down. Emma was a curiosity and so was Maya.
Besides the wonderful characters and interesting world, the number of topics that this book tackled were also fantastic. As the summary suggests, it definitely does feel like an action adventure movie.
Besides the wonderful characters and interesting world, the number of topics that this book tackled were also fantastic. As the summary suggests, it definitely does feel like an action adventure movie.
August 21, 2018
Very clever book.
On one level it is a fast-paced, exciting but simplistic story about a small group of resistant fighters causing disruption to the totalitarian government. The story is easy to follow and the writing style is highly readable and allows the story to flow along at a good pace. The government's preoccupation with creating a pure race and eliminating everyone who may be a burden to society is both a nod to past regimes and to some present-day policies. The characters are a little one-dimensional with a clear demarcation between the goodies and baddies.
I was very impressed with the authors understanding of controlling the media, silencing the opposition and controlling through fear and her ability to get this across within a story without appearing to preach. This gives a hidden depth to the story that makes the reader stop and think while drawing parallels with current events. I loved this aspect of the read.
The book ends on an uplifting note - if only real day politics could be resolved so easily!
Very enjoyable read with an interesting theme.
On one level it is a fast-paced, exciting but simplistic story about a small group of resistant fighters causing disruption to the totalitarian government. The story is easy to follow and the writing style is highly readable and allows the story to flow along at a good pace. The government's preoccupation with creating a pure race and eliminating everyone who may be a burden to society is both a nod to past regimes and to some present-day policies. The characters are a little one-dimensional with a clear demarcation between the goodies and baddies.
I was very impressed with the authors understanding of controlling the media, silencing the opposition and controlling through fear and her ability to get this across within a story without appearing to preach. This gives a hidden depth to the story that makes the reader stop and think while drawing parallels with current events. I loved this aspect of the read.
The book ends on an uplifting note - if only real day politics could be resolved so easily!
Very enjoyable read with an interesting theme.
January 31, 2019
Very well crafted fantasy story. This was my first time reading a dystopian fantasy. This was also my first time reading anything from this author, but I will definitely be reading more. This was a very well crafted book with fleshed-out characters as well as the world it was built in. Throughout the story you always fear the situation will become perilous for the protagonists. Often it does. What I really admired was good triumphing over evil throughout the many nail-biting scenes.
The story revolves around a scientist named Emma who has been trying to find a cure for tremor diseases. She isn't conforming to the very cruel government regime she's under plus she herself has one of these diseases she is trying to find a cure for. The powers that be want her to experiment on humans and when they find out she isn't she's captured and tortured. Fortunately she's discovered and saved by a group of resistant fighters determined to bring down a dictator who wants to kill every person who isn't a picture perfect specimen of health. Emma becomes Maya soon after her rescue and has plastic surgery to change her appearance because the bad guys are on a campaign to find her and end her life. She hooks up with a band of these resistance fighters and becomes instrumental in the resistance fighters plan to expose this dictator and his generals for the scumbags they are. She is blessed with special powers that allow her to travel through vortex portals which are basically special glass art with vortexes in them. This gift allows her to get close to the evil powers that be and discover more about their plans. However, this also puts her and the resistance fighters helping her in a lot of danger. The dictator's generals are plotting awful things that even the sick and twisted dictator is unaware of and that's mainly who Maya and her friends are concentrating on exposing. Will they be successful or will Maya and her resistance fighter friends be caught before they can save the world?
The story revolves around a scientist named Emma who has been trying to find a cure for tremor diseases. She isn't conforming to the very cruel government regime she's under plus she herself has one of these diseases she is trying to find a cure for. The powers that be want her to experiment on humans and when they find out she isn't she's captured and tortured. Fortunately she's discovered and saved by a group of resistant fighters determined to bring down a dictator who wants to kill every person who isn't a picture perfect specimen of health. Emma becomes Maya soon after her rescue and has plastic surgery to change her appearance because the bad guys are on a campaign to find her and end her life. She hooks up with a band of these resistance fighters and becomes instrumental in the resistance fighters plan to expose this dictator and his generals for the scumbags they are. She is blessed with special powers that allow her to travel through vortex portals which are basically special glass art with vortexes in them. This gift allows her to get close to the evil powers that be and discover more about their plans. However, this also puts her and the resistance fighters helping her in a lot of danger. The dictator's generals are plotting awful things that even the sick and twisted dictator is unaware of and that's mainly who Maya and her friends are concentrating on exposing. Will they be successful or will Maya and her resistance fighter friends be caught before they can save the world?
July 23, 2018
Reading Vortexes was like experiencing a well-crafted action-adventure-suspense-thriller movie. Set in a dystopian environment, the story tracks the movements of a small group of principled citizens doing their best to resist a totalitarian government that threatens their existence and the existence of anyone who even speaks up against it. The story includes just enough of a science fiction twist to add an extra creative dimension.
Here are some of the reasons I enjoyed it:
(1) Balance. The author strikes the perfect balance for me between setting/context descriptions and dialog/action. She sets a clear scene and keeps the story moving without falling into the literary trap of long descriptive narratives that tempt me to skip ahead. In this story, I found critical dialog and action happening virtually all of the time, and I didn’t want to miss any of it.
(2) Real characters. Well-developed characters make a book come alive for me, and by the time I was part-way into the book, I was emotionally connected with the characters – both those I came to like and those I came to detest.
(3) A clever, engaging story. The author spins a tale that pulled me in right from the start. I never guessed where it was going next, and I found myself surprised clear through to the end.
(4) More than just another novel. While this book can be read and enjoyed solely as an action, adventure, suspense, thriller, or even sci-fi novel, there is important further depth to this author’s creation. The story takes place in what appears to be a future dystopian society, yet the similarities between the story’s backdrop and today’s political events are disturbingly close. While it’s easy to think that totalitarian societies are a thing of the past or “will never happen here,” the author skillfully shows us how close we may be to the kind of society that most of us probably thought could never be. Read from that angle, Vortexes is an important warning about the dangers our society and our world currently face.
Highly recommended.
I was given an advance review copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review.
Here are some of the reasons I enjoyed it:
(1) Balance. The author strikes the perfect balance for me between setting/context descriptions and dialog/action. She sets a clear scene and keeps the story moving without falling into the literary trap of long descriptive narratives that tempt me to skip ahead. In this story, I found critical dialog and action happening virtually all of the time, and I didn’t want to miss any of it.
(2) Real characters. Well-developed characters make a book come alive for me, and by the time I was part-way into the book, I was emotionally connected with the characters – both those I came to like and those I came to detest.
(3) A clever, engaging story. The author spins a tale that pulled me in right from the start. I never guessed where it was going next, and I found myself surprised clear through to the end.
(4) More than just another novel. While this book can be read and enjoyed solely as an action, adventure, suspense, thriller, or even sci-fi novel, there is important further depth to this author’s creation. The story takes place in what appears to be a future dystopian society, yet the similarities between the story’s backdrop and today’s political events are disturbingly close. While it’s easy to think that totalitarian societies are a thing of the past or “will never happen here,” the author skillfully shows us how close we may be to the kind of society that most of us probably thought could never be. Read from that angle, Vortexes is an important warning about the dangers our society and our world currently face.
Highly recommended.
I was given an advance review copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2018
Reading Vortexes was like being shipped into the future. This dystopian creation of a future is like a different world, yet links so perfectly with current events, you can't help but feel the reality. Ranging through genres from suspense to adventurw, you follow a small group of amazing characters so real you'don't believe you had met them yourself.
The world has just enough of a twist from reality that it feels like a whole new world yet, at the same time, feels like a prediction of your own future, pulling you further into the deep emotions and thrilling story with every page you turn.
I would honestly suggest this book to anyone who is interested in escaping, regardless of whether it's your normal type of book or not.
This is definitely a must read for everyone.
The world has just enough of a twist from reality that it feels like a whole new world yet, at the same time, feels like a prediction of your own future, pulling you further into the deep emotions and thrilling story with every page you turn.
I would honestly suggest this book to anyone who is interested in escaping, regardless of whether it's your normal type of book or not.
This is definitely a must read for everyone.
November 16, 2018
Had me hook one page one!
Holly Barbo creates a intriguing dystopian fantasy. This timely tale captivates the reader. It is not simply entertaining, it is thought provoking.
Holly Barbo creates a intriguing dystopian fantasy. This timely tale captivates the reader. It is not simply entertaining, it is thought provoking.
November 16, 2018
I had the pleasure of meeting author Holly Barbo during InDScribe 2018.
In this novel, Barbo draws not only on the history of 1930s Germany but also from today's headlines to bring us a dystopian tale in which those who are of a different faith, have certain genetic ailments, or even make their living via art, journalism, and education are sent to reeducation "farms" or worse.
Emma Ando is a scientist working on a cure for diseases like Parkinson's and Essential Tremor, the latter of which she has herself. Her refusal to use "undesirable" humans as experimental subjects puts her in the sites of the regime, and she is captured and tortured. As a resistance cell invades the research facility one night, she is fortunately and accidentally rescued ... and now has to stay in hiding.
The titular Vortexes are art glass pieces through which Emma has discovered she can travel. In her new guise as Maya, she assists the resistance in using Vortexes to do their work.
This was often a hard book to read as I recognized the parallels to events both current and historical. Still, it was enjoyable and entertaining. Barbo has created a cautionary tale filled with people to care about and despise ... and keep the readers turning pages. Well done.
In this novel, Barbo draws not only on the history of 1930s Germany but also from today's headlines to bring us a dystopian tale in which those who are of a different faith, have certain genetic ailments, or even make their living via art, journalism, and education are sent to reeducation "farms" or worse.
Emma Ando is a scientist working on a cure for diseases like Parkinson's and Essential Tremor, the latter of which she has herself. Her refusal to use "undesirable" humans as experimental subjects puts her in the sites of the regime, and she is captured and tortured. As a resistance cell invades the research facility one night, she is fortunately and accidentally rescued ... and now has to stay in hiding.
The titular Vortexes are art glass pieces through which Emma has discovered she can travel. In her new guise as Maya, she assists the resistance in using Vortexes to do their work.
This was often a hard book to read as I recognized the parallels to events both current and historical. Still, it was enjoyable and entertaining. Barbo has created a cautionary tale filled with people to care about and despise ... and keep the readers turning pages. Well done.
August 19, 2018
Vortexes is set in an alternate reality to present times, with aspects of Hitler's Germany and Stalin's Soviet Union. The story moved at a steady pace, while the ending was unpredictable and interesting. The main antagonist reminded me of a certain president of the United States of America, but as the story unfolded he wasn't all that he initially seemed. For me the protagonists were somewhat flat and under-developed, while the story didn't have a sense of place.
Vortexes was a story of good against bad, where the under-developed protagonists were less of an issue because they were on the side of good against those who oppress and cause misery.
Vortexes was a story of good against bad, where the under-developed protagonists were less of an issue because they were on the side of good against those who oppress and cause misery.
September 7, 2018
This was an excellent, if disturbing, story that echoed the German arrogance of the 'master race', that gene purity was essential, thus eliminating all else. Though why they thought 'they' were elite, I don't know...can only be arrogance tinted by insanity and ignorance.
It's brilliantly told, fast-paced with a great writing style (despite the need for proofreading). It was all about the story rather than that in-depth character development, however, it was extremely well done.
It tackles themes such as power, control of media, eradication of 'certain people' and more. It also has an element of fantasy, which was cleverly done.
Overall, a suspense-filled dystopian fantasy with fabulous storytelling.
Highly recommended.
It's brilliantly told, fast-paced with a great writing style (despite the need for proofreading). It was all about the story rather than that in-depth character development, however, it was extremely well done.
It tackles themes such as power, control of media, eradication of 'certain people' and more. It also has an element of fantasy, which was cleverly done.
Overall, a suspense-filled dystopian fantasy with fabulous storytelling.
Highly recommended.
December 4, 2018
A wonderful dystopian fantasy that interweaves complex themes like freedom, complicated and controlling regimes, plot twists, and political intrigue. The plot is extremely detailed and the characters drawn with depth. There's plenty of action to keep the reader riveted. If you're a fan of futuristic stories this is one to enjoy!
Characters: 4.5/5
Plot: 4/5
Word Building: 5/5
Story Flow: 4/5
Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 4/5
September 4, 2024
This book had a good concept but it was riddled with grammar and spelling errors. And when I say riddled - there were several on every page. The descriptions were also convoluted (for example, the author was constantly describing people's eye colours for no discernable reason) and the dialogue didn't sound natural - at times I felt like I was reading a screenplay. I also found it difficult to tell the difference between the male characters. A shame that these things let down this book, because the idea behind it was quite original and clever.
December 23, 2018
As a fan of the dystopian genre, I thoroughly enjoyed the world-building choices made by the author. In a realistic near future plagued by an openly neo-nazi dictatorship, a single sci-fi element provides the Resistance with the much needed ammo they need in their uphill fight. Elements of family drama add more nuance to the characters, whose morality is more often ambiguous than absolute. This is a complete novel with a definite ending that will leave you satisfied.
December 30, 2018
Gripping dystopian fantasy!
This hooks you right away and doesn’t let go! The plot is layered, yet quick paced. There are twists and turns at every corner. Not only is the plot well crafted, but the world building is amazing. The author has created a chilling dystopian society.
I also loved the characters, and found them captivating and complex. Wonderful read and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh fantasy!
This hooks you right away and doesn’t let go! The plot is layered, yet quick paced. There are twists and turns at every corner. Not only is the plot well crafted, but the world building is amazing. The author has created a chilling dystopian society.
I also loved the characters, and found them captivating and complex. Wonderful read and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh fantasy!
September 13, 2018
A dystopian paranormal story with echoes of Hitlers Germany and the creation of the master race. Dark at times the story follows the resistance fighters of the era as good struggles to over come evil. An interesting concept that highlights issues of the real world in a supernatural context. A wide range of interesting characters converge to over throw the Wolf.
November 7, 2018
I love books that begin by dropping you right into the thick of things and Vortexes by Holly Barbo does just that. It's clear the author put her all into crafting this thought-provoking plot. There's a great cast of characters (Her Eminence was my favorite) and plenty of twists which made it hard to put down. Highly recommended. 4.5/5 stars
November 28, 2018
Brilliant
Loved this from start to finish, you are thrown into the action from the very first chapter and the plot builds well from there. Almost like watching an action movie, you can really picture the events unfolding as you read. Even held my breath as they completed missions wondering if they would get caught! Hope there's a next book.
Loved this from start to finish, you are thrown into the action from the very first chapter and the plot builds well from there. Almost like watching an action movie, you can really picture the events unfolding as you read. Even held my breath as they completed missions wondering if they would get caught! Hope there's a next book.
December 19, 2018
I was craving something different. I came across this title and I have to say this was exactly what I was looking for. In my opinion, this books has all pros. This book is clear, easy to read, fast paced, well written, awesome characters, thrilling and was exactly what I needed. After reading this I will enjoy what freedom I have.
September 9, 2018
I thought this was a really well-written thriller, good pace and really good plot line.
The characters are interesting and you want to root for Emma all the way.
Hitler inspired bad guys have you cheering on the resistance!
The characters are interesting and you want to root for Emma all the way.
Hitler inspired bad guys have you cheering on the resistance!
April 3, 2019
Very interesting
I am not a reader of dystopian stories. I believe this is my first one and it was really good. I was able to read from beginning to end with no breaks. The story kept me entertained and I might try another one.
I am not a reader of dystopian stories. I believe this is my first one and it was really good. I was able to read from beginning to end with no breaks. The story kept me entertained and I might try another one.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews