As you read the reviews on Bookshop Talk, you'll notice that every review is positive. No, we're not a bunch of literary
pushovers who love everything we pick up; we just see no point in telling you about a book if we didn't like it.

September 20, 2013

MICHAEL VEY by Richard Paul Evans, 2011


To everyone at Meridian High School, fourteen-year-old Michael Vey is nothing special, just the kid who has Tourette’s syndrome. But in truth, Michael is extremely special—he has electric powers. Michael thinks he is unique until he discovers that a cheerleader named Taylor has the same mysterious powers. With the help of Michael’s friend, Ostin, the three of them set out to discover how Michael and Taylor ended up with their abilities, and their investigation soon brings them to the attention of a powerful group who wants to control the electric teens—and through them, the world. (Amazon)

Reviewed by Valette M.

I must say, I was really looking forward to MICHAEL VEY. I'd been meaning to pick it up for a while, so when I got it as a gift I was bouncing off the ceiling. And I know they say don't judge a book by its cover, but come on. How can you not with a cover this awesome?

This book is about a boy, Michael, who can produce electric "Pulses", or really big shocks. When he discovers a girl, Taylor, in his hometown who has similar gifts, they (along with Michael's best friend and super genius Ostin) start a club called the Electroclan to discover where they came from.
As they dig deeper and deeper into the past, dangerous secrets are uncovered, leading the clan to a discovery that will turn their world upside down.

My favorite character was by far Ostin. I fell in love with him from the beginning as he dealt with social awkwardness and spouted random facts. As to the rest of the characters- there were a few spots where it was hard to tell who was talking, but other than that they were fairly well-developed.

The plot was fun and exciting, if a bit predictable.  I appreciated the emphasis on friendship and that Michael and his friends were able to overcome their challenges because they stuck together. It was a catchy, younger read, but still worth checking out.

Richard Evens has an engaging style that allows the narrative to tell itself. Because of the more laid-back narration, there were places where the story seemed to hold still, but overall it was smooth-sailing.

Market: Junior Fiction
Language: None
Sensuality: None
Violence: Mild
Mature Themes: Death

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