Vortex Blog Tour and Giveaway

July 2^nd Wednesday: Jean BookNerd REVIEW & INTERVIEW
July 3^rd Thursday: We Fancy Books TENS LIST
July 4^th Friday: Captivated Reading FAVORITE BOOKS
July 5^th Saturday: Blissful Book Reviews REVIEW & RANDOM THINGS
July 6^th Sunday: To Read is Divine GUEST POST & EXCERPT
July 7^th Monday: Insane About Books REVIEW & EXCERPT
July 8^th Tuesday: The Solitary Bookworm REVIEW & DREAM CAST
July 9^th Wednesday: A Dream Within a Dream MUSIC PLAYLIST
July 10^th Thursday: Sabrina’s Paranormal Palace REVIEW & EXCERPT
July 11^th Friday: Swoony Boys Podcast REVIEW & INTERVIEW

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.

You can purchase Vortex at the following Retailers:

    

EXCERPT

Tom shoved himself toward the window for his last view of the planet from space, figuring he might never get to see it from the outside again with his own eyes. He stared at the curvature of the Earth against the darkness, and deep in his brain, the realization clicked into place that he wasn’t seeing a photograph or a virtual reality image: he was looking at the real thing.

                With that, Tom’s mind grew strangely quiet, taking in the planet that seemed to beat with life against the vast, star-studded universe beyond it. His eyes moved over the swirling white clouds of a storm, the shadow another pale curtain cast over the intense blue of the ocean. He ran his gaze down the jagged, stark green line of the East Coast of the United States where it cut into the Atlantic.

                “Guys,” Tom said, “we’re actually in outer space.”

                He saw the faint reflections in the window as his friends floated over to see. Vik’s gelatinized soup floated around them in globs as they all gazed at the Earth together.

                “Look at the skyboards.” Wyatt pressed her finger to the window.

                It took Tom a moment to see them. The skyboards below were like tiny fireflies sparking across the planet, sunlight dancing across their solar-paneled backs. It was strange how large and inescapable those images seemed from the Earth, but up here, the boards shrank to such insignificance, he imagined he could flick them away with a finger.

                “Man, those are tiny from up here,” Vik said.

                There was awe in Yuri’s voice. “Everything.”

                And he was right. Everything was. Everything Tom had ever feared seemed to shrink for this instant as the universe expanded for him.

                His heart seemed to swell, and he wished every single person on the planet could have this chance, just once, to see the horizon from above the skyboards rather than from below them. Maybe they’d all see that the universe didn’t end at the boundaries of the Coalition of Multinationals but rather that this incredible, infinite stretch of possibilities existed beyond them.

                No wonder the sky had to be blotted out by advertisements. The stars drowned with lights. If everyone could see beyond Coalition horizons, perhaps they’d begin to see the titans of humanity for what they were: tiny creatures, smaller than insects, and in the scale of things, every bit as insignificant.

                Maybe more people would be willing to look a thief like Reuben Lloyd in the eye and laugh right in his face.

My Review

Vortex is Brilliant with it's government corruption, war, and intense humor.

This story begins with Tom on vacation and spending time with his father. It's the same as it was before he left for the spire, with his father getting into trouble.

However, as reality sets in, Tom and his friends have moved up to the middles, where corporate sponsors are needed to continue their advancement.  This causes a problem with Tom, who is bold and strong in his beliefs.  As he meets with the corporates, he discovers how corrupt the whole system is and wonders how others can't see the whole charade.  

Tom is also upset with his actions that put a huge wedge between his relationship with Medussa.  He reaches out to her, and tries to apolize for his actions.  Medussa is still hurt, and is unsure if she can ever trust Tom again.

I first want to say how much I adore this series. Vortex seriously takes the series to a whole new level of anticipation.  When you learn the level of corruption, you can understand why Tom becomes defiant on so many levels.  His friends are loyal and will do what actions  are needed to help Tom when it matters. I just adore Yuri!

The Humor.  WHAT an imagination. I love a story, a series that can make me laugh out loud.  The crazy antics and pranks that these teenagers pull on each other is hilarious and will keep you in stitches. I just love the creativity behind it. (This author must be a blast to hang out with!)

Seriously though, the plot thickens with intensity with creative twists that will definitely surprise you. Tom does what is necessary throughout the whole adventure to keep his friends safe and to try and outsmart those who are inevitably out to crush him.

Vortex, the second installment of the Insignia series is the whole package in my opinion. The characters draw you into this incredible sci-fi dystopia world. The words will not let you escape...and that's a good thing. I can not wait for the next one. I have grown quite attached to these characters and I'm not ready to let go.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

S.J. Kincaid was born in Alabama, grew up in California, and attended high school in New Hampshire, but it was while living beside a haunted graveyard in Scotland, that she realized that she wanted to be a writer. Her debut, Insignia, came out in July of 2012. The second book in the series, Vortex came out in July of 2013. The final book in the INSIGNIA trilogy will come out in Fall of 2014.

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GIVEAWAY
5 Winners will receive a Signed Copy of INSIGNIA by S.J. Kincaid.
3 Winners will receive a Signed Copy of VORTEX by S.J. Kincaid.Must be 13+ to EnterUS Only Giveaway

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