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).
Rematch
(The Vortex Series Book 1)
(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.
Book Links
Double Fault
(The Vortex Series Book 2)
(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!
Book Links
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.
Author Links
