-Publishers Weekly, August, 2011

- R.L. Stine, #1 bestselling author of Goosebumps

- Vince Flynn, #1 New York Times bestselling author

- Glenn Beck, #1 bestselling author, media personality

Evans, Richard Paul. Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell-25. Simon Pulse, 2011. 336p. $17.99. 978-1-4516-5650-3.

Ninth grade can be brutal, especially if you are an undersized boy dealing with Tourette's syndrome. Add bullies, disingenuous authority figures, a geeky best friend, a loving but financially strapped parent, and you have a relatable protagonist who just happens to have an amazing superpower. Michael Vey can zap people with electricity. With his mother's help, he has been able to keep his "mutation" a secret until the eventful day when popular cheerleader, Taylor, witnesses him defending himself against three tormentors. This event sets into action a chain of discoveries, deceit, and destruction that brings together an unlikely group of young people who must work together to save themselves and others. Throughout these adventures, the author interweaves a plausible scientific explanation for Michael's powers: sixteen years ago, seventeen babies were inadvertently given special abilities. Now, evil powerbrokers want to use these young people to cause international mayhem and gain wealth through extortion. Short chapters with intriguing titles, excellent writing, and engaging characters make this action-packed story a compulsively entertaining read. The tale progresses with altering points of view. Michael tells his story in first-person and Taylor's tale is narrated in third-person. This first book of a planned series has a satisfying conclusion but leaves the reader determined to discover what the next book, Rise of the Electroclan, has in store for our young hero and his friends. Though contemporary and edgy, this book contains no bad language, sex, or gratuitous violence. This is a book Rick Riordan's fans will want to read.
VOYA, October 2011

Newton Book News

- -Mundie Moms

- Teenreads.com

by Richard Paul Evans
Reviewed by John M. Wills Released: August 9, 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse (336 pages)

". . . my 13-year-old grandson picked it up and began reading the first chapter after I had put it down. He remarked, "Papa, hurry up and finish reading this, I want to see where this story goes." I already know where this is all going: Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 is going to be another bestseller for Richard Paul Evans. The book is electric."

Having read much of Richard Paul Evans's work, I knew to expect a wonderful story; however, I admit I was skeptical about reading a novel geared toward children 12 years old and up. My skepticism disappeared quickly as I began reading about the book's protagonist, Michael Vey.

Author Evans has created a character that will entertain both adults and children. I found myself absorbed in the story just several pages in. Michael Vey is, ostensibly, an average teenager, 14 years old, who has the same problems as others in that awkward age group. He finds himself the victim of bullying, mostly due to his facial tics, a result of Tourette's. He doesn't fit in with most kids in school, and the girls avoid him whenever possible.

His only friend, Ostin, the class brain--and therefore a nerd to the school jocks--also endures endless bouts of pranks and teasing. The two likeable adolescents form a bond that enables them to endure the constant gauntlet laid down by their classmates.

At one point in the story an incident occurs in which Michael discovers he has a secret power--he's electric. Although his mother has known this about her son for some time, Michael is just now discovering his abnormal abilities can be used to his advantage.

As the story develops, Mr. Evans creates moral dilemmas that Michael and his friends must face. Questions of ethics and evil versus good become pivotal points and serve to develop a moral compass for the youngsters, both in the story and hopefully for the children reading the book.

There are plenty of thrills and adventure in this well-written novel, one that readers will feel comfortable in having their sons and daughter read. In fact, my 13-year-old grandson picked it up and began reading the first chapter after I had put it down. He remarked, "Papa, hurry up and finish reading this, I want to see where this story goes."

I already know where this is all going: Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 is going to be another bestseller for Richard Paul Evans. The book is electric.

Reviewer John M. Wills is the author of Gripped by Fear (TotalRecall Publications), the second novel in the Chicago Warriors Thriller Series. His book, Targeted, won 1st Place in 2011 at the Public Safety Writers Association Convention; he is also a former Chicago Police Officer and retired FBI Agent.

- New York Journal of Books, August 2011