Michael Vey 3: Battle of the Ampere

By Richard Paul Evans

Michael, Taylor, Ostin and the rest of the Electroclan have destroyed the largest of the Elgen Starxource plants, but now they’re on the run. The Elgen have teamed up with the Peruvian army to capture them, and only Michael remains free. With his friends due to stand trial for terrorism—a charge that may carry the death penalty—Michael will need all his wits and his abilities if he’s to save them.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Dr. Hatch and his loyal Electric Children have seized control of the E.S. Ampere—the super yacht the Elgen use as their headquarters. With the seven ships of the Elgen fleet now under his control, Hatch heads back to Peru to gather his army and begin his quest for global domination.

Michael must free his friends and then find a way to stop Hatch, but Hatch knows Michael and the Electroclan are coming. And he’s ready for them. Can the Electroclan win the battle of the Ampere? Or has Michael’s luck finally run out?

So, the beginning of this book was super slow. I had a really hard time and was forcing myself to read chunks and get to the point of the book. It seemed to me there was a ton of unnecessary detail and focus on things that were interesting, but didn’t move the plot forward fast enough for the theme of the series. Once you get through it though, it picks up and we’re back on track. I will admit though that I am having a hard time caring about the majority of the characters, as their development hasn't been addressed near enough. But now that I’ve got my issues out of the way I will say that this book is a solid adventure and interesting in how the clan continues to find new ways to use their electrical powers to defeat the baddies. I’m a little less enthused about the series as a whole after this book, and still haven’t picked up the fourth book that came out this past year. I’m waiting for the mood to hit, which might take a while.

This gets the average 3 out of 5

Michael Vey: The Rise of Elgen

By Richard Paul Evans

 Michael, Taylor, Ostin, and the rest of the Electroclan have escaped from the Elgen Academy in Pasadena and are headed back to Idaho to plain their next move. But what’s waiting for them there will change everything.

After using their wits and powers to narrowly escape and Elgen trap, a mysterious voice leads the Electroclan to the jungles of Peru in search of Michael’s mother. Once there, they discover that Dr. Hatch and the Elgen are far more powerful than anyone realizes; entire countries have begun to fall under their control. Only the Electroclan and an anonymous voice now stand in the way of the Elgen’s plan for global domination.

But is the voice that Michael is following really an ally, or is it just another Elgen trap?


This is the second book in the Michael Vey series and it was just as fun as the first. It was a little slower to start with, but only a little. Mr. Evans doesn't wait long to throw you into the next heart-stopping escape or rescue attempt for the electroclan. This book centers around the rescue of Michael's mother, and brings up more mysteries and has one heck of a cliffhanger...thanks! I hate having to wait with a cliffhanger. I decided that while reading this installment, it really reminds me a lot of James Patterson's Maximum Ride series, but (in my humble opinion) much better in that it has more depth of story and character. It isn't just a pulp fiction ride, at least it doesn't feel that way.  It's not philisophical by any means, but it does have its moments of teen insight. Fun book and probably a great buy for your young boy readers, though there is some kissy kissy. (Just a bit of fair warning for the cootie believer). 

I give it a 3 1/2 out of 5 

Michael Vey: Prisoner of Cell 25

Richard Paul Evans

To everyone at Meridian High School, Michael Vey is an ordinary fourteen-year-old. In fact, the only thing that seems to set him apart is the fact that he has Tourette’s syndrome. But Michael is anything but ordinary. Michael has special powers. Electric powers.

Michael thinks he's unique until he discovers that a cheerleader named Taylor also has special powers. With the help of Michael’s friend, Ostin, the three of them set out to discover how Michael and Taylor ended up this way, but their investigation brings them to the attention of a powerful group who wants to control the electric children – and through them the world. Michael will have to rely on his wits, powers, and friends if he’s to survive.

 
When I saw that Richard Paul Evans was trying his hand at young adult fiction, I was intrigued. He's a good author, but I wondered how he would fair in the ever growing popularity of fantasy and fiction. I shouldn't have worried about a veteran writer like Evans. This book was so fun to read, though I got a little bored as he was describing the big jewelers and such, but had to laugh when I was watching Jeopardy and there was a question about the hope diamond and I was able to answer it because of this book...everyone was impressed!
Michael Vey was a great character right off the bat. Take bullied megga-powered kid plus brain of the school, plus popular and beautiful cheerleader and you've got a good premise. Add in evil 'school' that actually tortures and murders and brainwashes, and you've got an exciting read.  It was fun to read, and though some turns were fairly predictable, Evans did a good job mixing up the genre just enough to satisfy a  young-adult fiction junkie like myself.
Michael's story is face-paced and action packed from page one to the end. I'm excited for the next installment and wonder what fun Evans will pull out of his hat for Michael, Taylor, and Ostin next.