Vortex by S.J. Kincaid.
Thomas Raines is on his mandatory ‘military’ vacation, away from the spire, in accordance with the laws of a civilian in military service…etc.,etc.,etc. That means, whether he likes it or not, spending 2-3 weeks with his drunken, practically homeless father. This time though Niel, his father, is acting reasonably responsible and unusually there isn’t a hint of booze off him, but that doesn’t stop him from entering a gambling parlour with Tom and winning his means of giving Tom his first ever birthday present. Maybe things are looking up for Tom? Or maybe not. The banker who lost the poker game, doesn’t know how to lose and sends a corrupt cop after them to reclaim his lost treasures. The catch is Tom and Niel can’t fight back otherwise jail time will be the result, maybe just a little unfair? From this point on things start to get worse and worse spiralling out of control. That is unless of course Tom can change that?….
Teen Rating: Tom finds him self in such a deep hole it looks impossible for his escape, but somehow he still manages it! 5/5 13+